CCM, Chinese officials in talks on socialism with vp
Ruling Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) vice chairman Philip Mangula (left) and Chinese vice president Li Yuanchao (right) during official talks in Dar es Salaam yesterday. PHOTO|VENANCE NESTORY
What you need to know:
Questioned on how Tanzania could practise socialism while majority of its budget depended heavily on donors, Mr Mangula said Tanzania would become financially independent if socialism principles are fully applied.
Dar es Salaam. Chinese vice president, Mr Li Yuanchao, and his delegation held a meeting with ruling CCM officials during which they discussed how socialism could survive in the modern era.
The ruling party honchos led by Mainland vice chairman Philip Mangula sat through presentation by several scholars on the topic in a closed meeting in which reporters were not allowed.
China is considered a modern communist state whose model of socialism proved a success in developing their democracy and economic development.
Tanzania, meanwhile, had a socialism uptake at independence that prevailed to the late 80s when the country silently adopted a free economy that has seen most of the socialist tenets fade.
Briefing reporters after the meeting, Mr Mangula said various papers were presented by academics from the University of Dar es Salaam including Professor Max Mmuya.
According to Mr Mmuya, the main purpose of the meeting was to share experiences between the two countries which are both followers of socialism.
“We are a socialist country so we wanted to learn from the Chinese... as you know China is a leading socialist country in the world,” said Mr Mangula.
The ruling party vice chairman firmly defended Tanzania as a country that fell in the same category.
“There are people who ask questions about Tanzania being a socialist country...but our economy is people-centered and that is what socialism is in the modern era,” said Mr Mangula.
He added that CCM will continue to strengthen socialism principles for the betterment of majority of Tanzanians who are farmers.
“We believe that socio-economic growth will be brought about by farmers. For that we will do everything in our power as a ruling party to liberate farmers,” said Mangula.
Questioned on how Tanzania could practise socialism while majority of its budget depended heavily on donors, Mr Mangula said Tanzania would become financially independent if socialism principles are fully applied.
“I believe that if we implemented socialism principles we would not be dependent on donors when it comes to our budget,” he said.
The Chinese leader is in the country for a six-day tour as the two countries celebrate 50 years of cooperation.
