DAR ES SALAAM: INDIAN celebrities have increasingly preferred Tanzania as their favourite holiday destination due to the latter’s abundant tourist attractions, according to the High Commissioner of India to Tanzania, Mr Bishwadip Dey.
High Commissioner Dey made the comment over the weekend when he led delegates to commemorate the 78th anniversary of India’s independence.
In his speech, the new Indian High Commissioner to Tanzania said Tanzania has abundant tourist attractions, making it a favourable destination for global travellers.
“Tanzania has a stunning landscape, bountiful national parks, pristine beaches, vibrant culture, rich history, warm-hearted and welcoming people,” he said.
“I am happy to inform you that lately, Tanzania has emerged as a favourite holiday destination for Indian celebrities,” the Indian envoy added .
Regarding the Indian-Tanzania bilateral relations, he underscored the elevation to a strategic partnership made during a state visit by President Samia Suluhu Hassan to India in October last year.
“Since then, significant progress has been witnessed, including Tanzania becoming India’s second-largest trade partner on the African continent,” the diplomat said, expressing his delight at the strong presence of the Indian diaspora in Tanzania.
He said the Indian community was thriving across multiple sectors in the country, expressing his hope that they would continue contributing to enhancing IndiaTanzania relations.
Reflecting on India’s development since 1947, when it achieved its independence, Mr Dey highlighted the country’s transformation into a global economic power targeting to become a developed nation by 2047.
“From a poor and underdeveloped country, we proudly stand as the world’s fifth-largest and fastest-growing economy. Under the visionary leadership of our Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, we aim to become a developed nation by 2047,” he explained.
Mr Dey said the successful hosting of the G20 summit and being the first nation to land on the lunar South Pole were among the country’s other achievements, demonstrating India’s growing influence on the global stage. He said India was also leading in renewable energy, with a target of 500 GW of non-fossil fuel-based energy by 2030. The country also has the world’s thirdlargest startup ecosystem.
The Minister for Culture, Arts and Sports, Damas Ndumbaro, said the story of India’s independence is one of resilience, determination and an unwavering commitment to the principles of justice and freedom. He commended India’s contribution to Tanzania’s development, particularly in the health, water and education sectors.
“We appreciate the support offered by the Indian government, including the donation of ambulances and the installation of radiation therapy devices at Bugando Hospital and the provision of essential medicines. These contributions have had a significant impact on the lives of Tanzanians,” he said.
Further, he said Tanzania has much to learn from India, especially in the health sector, calling for continued and strengthened cooperation among institutions from both countries, particularly between the All India Institute of Medical Sciences Delhi and the Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences.
Meanwhile, bilateral trade between India and Tanzania is said to be growing positively, reaching a volume of nearly 8 billion US dollars as of now and counting.
ALSO READ: Tour operators whet appetite to tap into 50tri/- Indian tourism market
High Commissioner Dey said the volume of trade between the two countries was 7.9 billion US dollars by the end of the year 2023 and the figure could have grown even higher since then. According to the statistics, Tanzania has also become India’s second-largest trade partner on the African continent, demonstrating the successful efforts of both governments.
Ambassador Dey was speaking during the occasion to mark the 78th Anniversary of Indian Independence in Arusha, which went in sync with the country’s cultural diversity of performing arts ceremony, the Kalakendra night.
“I am even more determined to continue striving to bring the High Commission much closer to the Indians and Tanzanians present all over the country,” said the High Commissioner.
Arumeru District Commissioner Emmanuela Kaganda, who graced the occasion, said apart from commercial cooperation, India has remained the most reliable academic partner to Tanzania.
“At the moment, there are more than 5000 young Tanzanians who are currently studying in India, in addition to a number of others who enjoy scholarships issued by the Indian Government,” said DC Kaganda.
The District Commissioner also pointed out that India has been at the forefront in assisting Tanzania in the field of medicine, especially in the provision of health services.
