Chinese envoy: New reform resolution opens doors for stronger Sino-Tanzania partnership

Dar es Salaam.  The Chinese Ambassador to Tanzania, Chen Mingjian, has said that the recent reform resolution adopted by the 20th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China presents a significant opportunity for a deeper Sino-Tanzania partnership.

Speaking at a forum in Dar es Salaam commemorating 60 years of diplomatic relations between Tanzania and China on Thursday, August 22, Ambassador Mingjian emphasised that the resolution serves as a foundation for future collaboration and mutual growth.

The resolutions, focused on advancing comprehensive reform to propel Chinese modernisation, introduced over 300 essential reform measures.

Ms Mingjian highlighted how these reforms present new opportunities for future collaboration between China and Tanzania.

“These systemic plans for deepening reform and advancing Chinese modernisation will not only benefit China but also open doors for Tanzania to engage in more robust trade and investment partnerships,” she said.

She emphasised that the reforms are geared towards expanding institutional opening-up and fostering global trade, particularly with least-developed countries like Tanzania.

China is currently Tanzania’s leading trade partner with a trade volume of $8.78 billion, reflecting an annual growth of 5.7 percent.

The ambassador also pointed out specific examples of how these reforms could translate into tangible benefits for Tanzania.

She cited China's recent approval for Tanzanian honey exports as a case in point, showcasing the immense business opportunities in the vast Chinese market.

“The demand for honey in China is enormous, and even a small portion of this market can absorb all of Tanzania’s honey production,” Mingjian added, highlighting the potential economic benefits for Tanzania.

Minister of State, President's Office, Planning and Investment Prof Kitila Mkumbo also addressed the forum, focussing on Tanzania's vision for inclusive economic growth and shared prosperity.

“Our new vision, unveiled later this year, is centred around shared prosperity—prosperity for all. We want to eradicate poverty, not just reduce it, and ensure that our people have decent employment, quality education, and good health,” he said.

He highlighted the critical areas of agriculture and industrialisation as key drivers of this vision, noting the importance of attracting global investment to achieve these goals.

“We have been seeking support and trying to attract investment globally, but there is a distinct difference with Chinese investors. When we discuss with them, it’s about opportunities, not challenges,” Mkumbo said.

He praised China’s role in industrialising Tanzania, citing significant projects such as the largest industrial park in Kwala and the first large-scale glass manufacturing factory in Mkuranga.

“These developments are not just theoretical; they are happening on the ground. China is industrialising Africa, and this partnership is vital for our future,” Mkumbo added.

He emphasised that Tanzania seeks not aid but support in building capacity and facilities that will enable sustainable development.

Senior economist from the University of Dar es Salaam (UDSM), Prof Humphrey Mushi, identified five key areas that require further focus to enhance the relationship between the two countries.

These include upgrading the Tanzania-Zambia railway (Tazara) to match modern Chinese standards, constructing the Karume/Nyerere Bridge linking Zanzibar to the mainland, modernising agriculture to increase productivity, promoting the use of domestic currencies in trade, and exploring alternative energy sources such as solar and wind.