By Frank Kimboy

Tanzanian and Mozambican business entrepreneurs should play a leading role in strengthening relations between the two countries that have signed a joint trade agreement, recognizing the potential of the private sector. 

The call is contained in a Joint statement issued at the end of a three-day official visit to Tanzania by Mozambican Prime Minister Aires Bonifacio Baptista Ali. He toured the country following an invitation by his counterpart, Mr Mizengo Pinda.

The statement, which was released yesterday by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation in Dar es Salaam, said the two Premiers expressed a desire to promote trade cooperation. “In this connection, they stressed the importance of the involvement of the private sector and called upon the stakeholders to play a leading role in enhancing commercial relations,” read part of the statement released to the media. 

The prime ministers, according to the statement, highlighted the importance of bilateral cooperation in various sectors such as agriculture, mining, education and training, health, fisheries, local government, trade, investment and tourism. 

They also expressed optimism over the forthcoming Joint Permanent Commission meeting that would enable the two sides to review progress made in the implementation of the decisions taken during the previous meeting and work out strategies required in order to realise the intended objectives. According to the statement, the prime ministers said the completion of the Unity Bridge across the Ruvuma River would enable people from both countries to interact freely.

They also urged wananchi to explore new opportunities through increased traffic, trade, tourism and investment.  The Mozambican Prime Minister who led a high-power delegation arrived in Dar es Salaam on Friday night and was received at the airport by his host Prime Minister Pinda as well as cabinet ministers and senior party and government officials.  

Mr Ali’s delegation consisted of the Minister for Works and Housing, Mr Cadmiel Muthemba, the Minister for Culture Mr Armando Artur Joao, Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs Dr Eduardo J. Koloma, Deputy Minister for Finance Pedro C. Couto and a ruling FRELIMO Party senior official, Gen. (rtd) Raimundo Pachinuapa.

The two leaders held official talks at the Prime Minister’s Office in Dar es Salaam, where they discussed a wide range of bilateral issues.  Later Premier Ali visited Zanzibar.  

 During the tour, Ms Ali also paid   courtesy call to President Kikwete at the State House in Dar es Salaam. Mr Ali, who also extended an invitation to Premier Pinda to visit Mozambique at a date to be determined later, left Dar es Salaam Sunday morning back to Maputo

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