Dar woos Canada investors in blue economy
DAR ES SALAAM: VICE-PRESIDENT Dr Philip Mpango has invited Canada to collaborate with Tanzania in strengthening the blue economy by leveraging the country’s experience.
The VP also invited Canadian investors to come to Tanzania and invest in the sector.
Dr Mpango extended the invitation during his talks with the Canadian Minister for International Development at the State House in Dar es Salaam on Thursday.
The vice-president said that currently, Tanzania is the most suitable investment destination as the sixth phase government has invested in strengthening the economy and creating a more conducive environment for investment and business by implementing institutional and policy reforms and strengthening democratic governance.
He said it was important to work together to expedite the discussion on improving the Fair and Equitable Investment Agreement (FIPA) between Canada and Tanzania.
During their talks, Dr Mpango said Tanzania values the existing diplomatic relations between the two countries, expressing gratitude to Canada for supporting Tanzania in various sectors including health, education, business and investment, agriculture, defence, and security.
He said that the two countries have continued to cooperate internationally, including in the Commonwealth and the United Nations.
The VP further said that the Canadian government could enhance cooperation with Tanzania in various sectors including health, infrastructure development, solid waste management, sport facilities and horticultural crops.
He further expressed gratitude to the Canadian government for supporting President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s clean cooking energy agenda.
“Your support to these efforts will accelerate Tanzania’s transition from unsustainable cooking fuels and achieve the national strategic goal of reaching 80 per cent clean energy use come 2034,” Dr Mpango said.
He also expressed gratitude to the Canadian government for supporting Tanzania with 22 million doses of Vitamin A and pledging 25 million US dollars for an environmentally friendly agriculture project to address climate change.
On his part, Canada’s Minister for International Development, Ahmed Hussen, highlighted the longstanding and continuously strengthening relationship between Tanzania and Canada.
Mr Hussein stated, “At this point when Tanzania has reached the lower-middle-income economy status, it is an opportune time to enhance cooperation between our nations.”
He acknowledged the importance of collaborating to tackle the challenges posed by climate change and its impacts on the people.
Minister Hussen extended condolences to the Tanzanian government, communities, and families affected by the devastating cyclone Hidaya and El Niño downpours.
Furthermore, he mentioned that Canada is implementing various projects in Tanzania, including capacity building for climate resilience and environmentally friendly agriculture.
Mr Hussen affirmed that Canada will continue to collaborate with Tanzania in various sectors, including the environment, health, nutrition and education.
