The government has called on the private sector to take a leading role in promoting trade and economic cooperation between Tanzania and Angola, to bridge the existing gap between the two nations.
Minister for Justice and Constitutional Affairs, Mr Mathias Chikawe
Speaking at the Angola National Day celebrations on Monday evening, the Minister for Constitutional and Legal Affairs, Mr Mathias Chikawe, said that whilst the two countries have enjoyed cordial relations for many years, the geographic distance was impeding economic development.
“In this connection, we should take advantage of the advancement in science and technology to overcome the existing hindrances, thus the long distance separating our two countries should no longer be an obstacle,” he said.
Mr Chikawe said that the traditional bond between the two nations dates back to the pre-independence era and that the bond had grown stronger and stronger over the years and should be used to develop economic cooperation.
He said that apart from bilateral matters, Tanzania cooperates with Angola in different forums such as the Southern African Development Community (SADC), the African Union and the United Nations and that it was the ultimate goal of Tanzania to take this cooperation to greater heights.
“As we celebrate this historic occasion, I note with admiration the peace and stability enjoyed by your country during the past 11 years since the end of the civil war in 2002.
Indeed, Angola has registered tremendous achievements in various socio-economic sectors during that period,” he said.
The Angolan Ambassador to Tanzania, Prof Ambrosio Lukoki, said that under the theme ‘let us commemorate the 11th of November promoting development and social justice,’ Angolans were marking 38 years of their country’s ascension with their sights turned onto a struggle for a secure and better future.
Prof Lukoki said that the choice of the theme reflected the ongoing efforts in the country aimed at combating hunger, the reduction of poverty, the promotion of equal and fair distribution of national wealth and income, through coherent policies that provide employment and valorisation of Angolans.
“For the equal and fair distribution of national wealth and income, the Angolan government is implementing since 2012 in all the municipalities of the country the integrated municipal programme for rural development and fight against poverty, the largest programme of social inclusion in Angola,” he said.
The ambassador said that in the education sector, the national plan of sanitary development, the national economy and the droughts in the country, tourism and foreign investment, foreign policy are some of the big challenges of the Angolan government.
Source Tanzania Daily News
