MAJALIWA MEETS WITH RUSSIAN MINISTER OF ECONOMY

Prime Minister Kassim Majaliwa has held talks with the Russian Minister of Economic Development, Maxim Reshetnikov, discussing a range of topics, including trade, agriculture, transportation, education, energy, and tourism.

During the meeting today (Monday, October 28, 2024) at his office in Magogoni, Dar es Salaam, the Prime Minister assured Minister Reshetnikov that Tanzania offers a favorable environment for business, describing the country as peaceful and strategically positioned for commerce.

"The government, led by Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan, is committed to enhancing trade relations between Tanzania and friendly nations, including Russia. 

I am confident that through this visit, you will receive valuable insights that will instill confidence in Tanzania as an excellent destination for business," he said.

Outlining Tanzania’s available opportunities, the Prime Minister highlighted the country’s access to ports along the Indian Ocean, including Dar es Salaam, Mtwara, and Tanga. 

"We have lakes with ports too — Lake Victoria, Lake Tanganyika, and Lake Nyasa. Lake Victoria has ports in Kagera, Mwanza, and Musoma; Lake Tanganyika has ports in Kigoma, Kabwe, and Kasanga; and Lake Nyasa has ports in Mbambabay and Kyela."

He added that these ports are connected by roads, the central railway, the TAZARA line, and the ongoing SGR project, all of which facilitate transportation beyond Tanzania’s borders.

"We have a reliable transportation route from Dar es Salaam to Kapiri-Mposhi, Zambia, where goods are then distributed to other countries. 

Additionally, once the SGR is completed, it will enable cargo transportation to Rwanda, Uganda, and the Congo."

On agriculture, Majaliwa invited Russian businesses to invest in Tanzania, which boasts vast, fertile land. 

"Tanzania aims to be the hub of food production in Africa," he stated.

He emphasized the benefits of investing in Tanzania, noting the strong market demand for goods with over 61 million people domestically, more than 300 million in East Africa, and a further 300 million in SADC countries, of which Tanzania is a member.

"Tanzania is the gateway for eight neighboring countries, with two more set to join. 

These countries include Kenya, Uganda, DRC, Rwanda, Burundi, Zambia, Malawi, and Mozambique. Comoros and South Sudan have shown interest in joining, and we are in discussions with Somalia as well," he said.

Earlier, Minister Reshetnikov explained that the two countries have agreed to strengthen economic cooperation, boost trade, and increase investments. 

He noted that tomorrow (Tuesday, October 29, 2024), they would hold the first meeting of the Russia-Tanzania Joint Intergovernmental Commission on Trade and Economic Cooperation to further bolster this relationship.

"The establishment of this joint commission, agreed upon and signed on December 29, 2022, aims to strengthen trade and economic cooperation," Reshetnikov said.

Regarding education, he highlighted Russia’s commitment to supporting Tanzanians through educational opportunities funded by the Russian government. 

"Currently, there are 90 scholarships available for Tanzanian students to study in Russian universities starting next year. We are prepared to increase this number if necessary," he added.