TZ keen to strengthen economic ties with Czech

THE Minister for Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation, Ambassador Mahmoud Kombo, has emphasised the importance of economic relations between Tanzania and Czech Republic in driving development.

Speaking during a joint conference with his Czech counterpart, Minister for Foreign Affairs Jan Lipavský, in Prague over the weekend, Amb Kombo underscored the longstanding diplomatic ties between Tanzania and the Czech Republic, which date back to the 1960s.

The minister affirmed their shared commitment to enhancing and adapting this relationship to meet contemporary economic demands.

During his three-day working visit, Amb Kombo stressed Tanzania’s readiness to broaden cooperation with the Czech Republic in key sectors, including investment, trade, tourism, infrastructure, health, energy and education.

“The role of governments today is to create an enabling environment for the private sector and investment stakeholders to operate efficiently,” Amb Kombo stated.

He added that his visit aimed to attract strong Czech companies to invest in Tanzania and to expedite the completion of agreements that hinder the full potential of trade and investment.

As part of the efforts to strengthen ties, the two ministers agreed to fast-track the signing of an Air Agreement to establish direct flights between the two nations. This is expected to boost Tanzania’s growing tourism sector, which has seen a steady increase in visitors from the Czech Republic.

Additionally, the Avoidance of Double Taxation Agreement was noted to be in its final stages, with plans to finalise and sign it early this year. Amb Kombo assured Czech investors of Tanzania’s stability, abundant resources and strategic location.

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He pointed to the successful establishment of a Skyleader-600 aircraft manufacturing plant in Morogoro by Airplanes Africa Limited as a symbol of the growing economic partnership between the two countries.

“This investment will significantly boost Tanzania’s tourism sector, as these aircraft are designed to operate in challenging terrains, such as national parks and reserves,” he remarked.

Amb Kombo also called for Czech collaboration in the transportation sector, particularly in the ongoing construction of Tanzania’s Modern Standard Gauge Railway (SGR).

He encouraged direct Czech involvement in the project, emphasising the Czech Republic’s expertise in railway construction and operations.

The visit also included meetings with major Czech business leaders and tours of prominent companies, further advancing the Minister’s strategy of leveraging economic diplomacy to attract investment and promote Tanzania’s development priorities.