Tanzania has profited in many areas — including agriculture, information and technology (ICT) and forestry — from its relationship with Thailand.
Addressing guests at the state banquet he held in honour of the visiting Thailand Prime Minister, Ms Yingluck Shinawatra, at the State House in Dar es Salaam on Tuesday, President Jakaya Kikwete said the assistance which, also included training, has been valuable to the nation’s growth.
He said the two nations enjoy long-standing and cordial relations, noting that the visit by the Thai leader reaffirms that commitment by the countries, further observing that the two countries see eye to eye on many global issues and have supported each other on bilateral issues.
“Tanzania is deeply committed and willing to go an extra mile in strengthening the cooperation that we have with Thailand — that has been beneficial to Tanzanians and the government in general,” Mr Kikwete noted.
On a lighter note, he implied that many Tanzanians know Thailand’s capital city more than they know other cities and towns in their own country. “Many Tanzanians trade in Bangkok…I believe a lot of them know Bangkok more than they know their own cities and towns in the country,” the president joked.
He expressed gratitude to the effect that Prime Minister Shinawatra has provided 10 scholarships for Tanzanians at the level of Master Degree to study in Thailand, although he did not specify the fields involved.
The president said there is a huge scope and opportunity for investment in areas of trade, industry, health and agriculture, agreeing for the need to put more effort in the private sector and tap the huge potential for the benefits of both countries.
“The government of Tanzania has and will continue to create a conducive environment, hence more investors. We will do more to ensure we are more facilitative than restrictive. Tanzania is ready to do business with Thailand,” President Kikwete reaffirmed.
He said the signing of the agreements between the two countries will promote trade and investment in both countries and continue to strengthen the excellent relationship between the two countries. On her part, Ms Shinawatra said she was blessed to be in Tanzania; first because it is the origin of modern human being.
“This is the country where the remains of the homo sapiens who lived millions of years ago were discovered, this is an honour,” she explained. The Thai leader said the world has come to Tanzania because of the many good deeds the nation has been promoting, including being in the frontline of promoting democracy and regional cooperation.
“We are opening a new era…we share a commitment of democracy and regional cooperation. We have to work together to promote regional cooperation. We should use each other as getaways of our regions…we should serve as the foundation to Africa and Asia,” she stressed. Being a strong supporter of gender, she praised Mama Salma Kikwete for her resolve and dedication to support women and children in the country.
Meanwhile, MUGINI JACOB reports from Serengeti that Tanzania and Thailand yesterday signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on wildlife management and conservation in a brief ceremony witnessed by Ms Shinawatra.
The five- year deal was signed by a Thai Deputy Prime Minister, Mr Plodprasop Suraswadi and the Minister for Tourism and Natural Resources, Amb. Khamis Kagasheki. The event was held at Four Seasons Safari Lodge, one of the biggest tourist hotels situated in world famous Serengeti National Park.
Mr Kagasheki hailed the signing of the MoU, expressing optimism that it will also further help to speed up development of the tourism sector in the country. Amb. Kagasheki noted that Thailand has made significant strides on tourism sector that Tanzania ought to emulate.
“This is a good start. Thailand receives 22 million tourists every year and we have just started receiving one million tourists per year, “ the minister told reporters shortly after the signing of the MoU. He said that the MoU is expected to boost the welfare of Tanzanians and the nation in general. Tourism contributes 17 per cent of Tanzania’s GDP after minerals.
The Director of Wildlife, Prof Alexander Songorwa, said Tanzania has devoted 30 per cent of its land for wildlife conservation. “The wildlife we have is very important to our economy. Most of the tourists came to Tanzania to view wildlife and tourism is an important and fast growing sector contributing 17 per cent of GDP,” Prof Songorwa said in his overview presentation to the Thailand PM before the MoU was signed.
Earlier in the morning, Ms Shinawatra received a warm welcome on arrival at the Serengeti National Park (SENAPA). She was met by Amb. Khamis Kagasheki, Mara Regional Commissioner, Mr John Tupa, Tanzania National Parks (TANAPA) Director General, Mr Allan Kijazi, SENAPA Chief Park Warden, Mr William Mwakilema as well as Serengeti District leaders.
The Thailand Premier’s plane landed at the park’s Seronera Airport at around 9:20am and later headed to Four Seasons Safari Lodge, one of the best biggest hotels in the worldfamous park. She was also accompanied by the Minister of State in the Prime Minister’s Office in-charge of Investments and Economic Empowerment, Dr Mary Nagu.
By ROSE ATHUMANI, Tanzania Daily News
