What Samia’s China visit means

BEIJING: PRESIDENT Samia Suluhu Hassan has commenced an official visit to China to strengthen the long-standing relations between Tanzania and China.

During her visit, President Samia will engage in talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping to discuss enhancing bilateral cooperation.

A notable highlight of the visit will be the signing of an agreement to upgrade the Tanzania-Zambia Railway (TAZARA), with Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema also participating in the event.

President Samia will also represent the East African region at the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) in Beijing, where she will address key issues affecting the region.

The FOCAC forum will focus on critical areas including infrastructure development, investment, industrialisation, agricultural progress and regional peace and security.

Economists and academics have lauded President Samia’s participation, seeing it as a valuable opportunity to advance Tanzania’s priorities, especially in industrialisation, agricultural modernisation and infrastructure development.

Professor Humphrey Moshi, an economist and founding director of the Centre for Chinese Studies at the University of Dar es Salaam (UDSM), emphasised that President Samia will leverage Tanzania’s historic ties with China to advocate for agricultural modernisation and industrialisation.

He noted that increased Chinese investment in agriculture, particularly in irrigation technology, could significantly enhance Tanzania’s agricultural productivity.

With Tanzania’s abundant water resources, such as Lake Victoria, Lake Tanganyika and Lake Nyasa, the adoption of advanced Chinese irrigation technology could be transformative.

Prof Moshi also suggested that Tanzania should seek Chinese investment in alternative energy sources, including solar power, to complement the Julius Nyerere Hydro Power Plant, which is dependent on rainfall.

He proposed that the construction of the Karume-Nyerere Bridge could serve as a new symbol of the enduring friendship between Tanzania and China, following the TAZARA railway.

Agricultural development analyst Medard Wilfred, Public Relations and Marketing Officer at Saint Augustine University of Tanzania (SAUT), underscored the importance of modernising agricultural equipment.

Wilfred urged the Tanzanian government to attract Chinese investment in agricultural machinery to improve productivity and reduce unemployment.

Business expert Dr Sylvester Jotta from Mwanza highlighted that President Suluhu Hassan’s visit is crucial for boosting Tanzania’s exports to China.

He said by focusing on agricultural modernisation and value addition, Tanzania could increase its exports of processed products, such as avocados and cashews, thereby improving the trade balance between the two countries.

An economist and investment banker, Dr Hildebrand Shayo, added that the FOCAC has been a cornerstone of Africa-China relations since its inception in 2000, expressing optimism that the forum will continue to foster mutually beneficial cooperation in agriculture, industrialisation and infrastructure development.

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According to the Directorate of Presidential Communication, President Samia Suluhu Hassan arrived in Beijing on September 1st for the FOCAC, which runs from September 4th to 6th.

During the forum, she will deliver a keynote address and hold bilateral talks with President Xi Jinping.

The visit will also include a signing ceremony for a Memorandum of Understanding with Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema and President Xi for the renovation of the TAZARA railway.

Additionally, President Suluhu Hassan will meet with Chinese companies and investors to explore economic opportunities in Tanzania.