China to join forces in building Bagamoyo Port

By FRANK KIMARO

Tanzania and China have launched a joint task force for the development of Bagamoyo Port and Special Economic Zone in Mbegani area at Bagamoyo district. The Minister of State in the Prime Minister`s Office (Investment and Empowerment), Dr Mary Nagu announced yesterday.  

                                   Dr, Nagu when she was launching the Joint Task Force combining people from China and Tanzania to build Bagamoyo port.(Photo by Mohamed Mambo) 

Dr Nagu said Tanzania and China have invested a lot in the project which will benefit both countries especially Tanzania saying, “7.5 billion US dollars have been contributed by both countries to make sure the project is implemented and I know through this Tanzania will benefit economically, especially the business sector as there will be Industries, hotels and more alongside the port which will boost the economy,” she said.

Dr Nagu further noted that Tanzanians should bear in mind that the project will reduce unemployment saying that a good number of people will be employed in the port or in any other business sectors of the project.

Dr Nagu in her remarks further stated that the project will not be for public sector only but also the private sector will be invited to invest and this will bring competition which will result to the development of that sector in the country.

Dr Nagu further thanked the Chinese government through China Merchants Holding Company for the cooperation they are giving Tanzania and Africa in general saying that the cooperation has being there and it should be there always.

Speaking at the same occasion, the Ambassador of China to Tanzania Mr Lu Youqing traced the two countries relationship including the building of Tanzania and Zambia Railway (TAZARA)

“Tanzania and China are old friends since 1965 when the late J.K Nyerere visited China and introduced the ideal of building a railway from Tanzania to Zambia and the government of that time accomplished the task, that means we are old friends,” he said.

Ambassador Youqing urged all parties involved in the project to commit in order to avoid some difficulties which might hinder the success of the project.