BY ISSA YUSSUF
Zanzibar — VICE-PRESIDENT LI Yuanchao of China has reiterated his country's commitment in supporting social and economic development projects in Tanzania and other African countries.
He emphasized that his country was keen on supporting Zanzibar. "We are fully committed to bring change to African nations in various sectors for the benefits of the people," said Mr Yuanchao, during a conversation with Zanzibar's Second Vice-President, Ambassador Seif Ali Iddi.
The meeting between the Chinese Vice-President's delegation and Zanzibar officials led by Mr Iddi, were held at La Gema Tourist hotel in Nungwi coastal village, about 62 kilometres, north of Zanzibar Stone Town.
Mr Yuanchao said that African countries, including Tanzania Mainland and Zanzibar, should expect continued support in improving infrastructure, trainings and capacity building of staff, and technological matters which are vital in economic development.
He said his government has allocated about 2.2 billion Yuan for Tanzania's infrastructure and trade improvement programmes.
"It is better for Zanzibar to tell us its priority areas that need support so that we can implement. Our economic experts will also advise us on potential areas of investment so that we can encourage investors from China to come to Zanzibar," the Chinese vice- president said.
Acting on behalf of Zanzibar President Ali Mohamed Shein who was in the United Kingdom (UK) for a special mission, Ambassador Iddi thanked China for its continued support for Zanzibar and Tanzania Mainland's development. "Our relations remain important and beneficial to the people.
China's admirable support has helped Zanzibar and Tanzania Mainland's steady social and economic development," said Mr Iddi. He added that: "Tanzanians are proud of the friendship with China and value the support from the government and people of China since 1964.
The valuable support covers health, water, infrastructure, agriculture, and information communication technology (ICT)."
Currently, China's support in the islands includes the expansion and improvement of Zanzibar International Airport, reconstruction of Abdalla Mzee Hospital in Pemba, and its medical doctors providing services in various hospitals in Zanzibar, Iddi said.
Seif Ali Iddi informed members of the Chinese delegation who enjoyed the Tarab music at the hotel that Zanzibar welcomes investors from China to invest in various projects including tourism.
He also said Zanzibar needs to have a modern international conference centre for both regional and international meetings. Prior to the meeting at La Gema hotel, the Chinese Vice-President and his team made a short tour of the Zanzibar Stone Town, and visited the China medical team currently working in Zanzibar.
The visiting team included Mr Qian Hongshan, advisor in the Chinese Foreign Ministry; Mr Qin Yizhi, a deputy minister for IDCC; Mr Yu Hongjuu, a secretary to the youths in the communist party; Mr Li Junzao, a Deputy Finance Minister and the China Consular General in Zanzibar, Mr Lu Yunliang.
Tanzanians at the meeting were ambassador to China Mr Abdullrahman Shimbo, Zanzibar ministers: Mr Omar Yussuf Mzee (Finance); Dr Mwinyihaji Makame (State House and good governance); Captain George Mkuchika (Union, Good Governance); Mr Nassor Ahmed Mazrui (Zanzibar, Trade) and Ambassador Mohammed Ramia (advisor, Zanzibar President).
http://allafrica.com/stories/201407020188.html
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