TAZARA, A SYMBOL OF WARM RELATIONS WITH CHINA – NANJUWA
Authorities in Central province have described the Tanzania Zambia Railways (TAZARA) as Zambia’s flagship to long standing warm relationship with China which has provided direct benefits to people in the region.
Central province Minister Credo Nanjuwa says TAZARA has not only provided jobs for local people but provides the most reliable route the indian ocean as well as logistical support for much of the farming community in the processing of their produce.
Speaking during the Commemoration to mark 47 years of TAZARA in Kapiri today, Mr Nanjuwa further said the province boasts of a huge chinese investment presence in especially mining, agriculture and agro processing as well as manufacturing.
He said other than hosting the TAZARA which is a symbol of relationship between China and Zambia, the Central province further hosts the JIANGXI MULTI FACILITY ECONOMIC ZONE which is expected to be a significant contributor to local gross domestic product through local job opportunities.
He said the Chinese Government has demonstrated commitment to strengthen the friendship with Zambia in many aspects and the province was proud to be associated with Chinese investment.
The Provincial Minister further requested the Chinese Embassy in Zambia through its Ambassador Du Xiaohui help in actualising mutual partnerships and twinning with JIANGXI province of China following the failings of a similar MoU signed between Central Province and Henan province of China in 2019 as a way of promoting mutual understanding and development.
Mr Nanjuwa further added that his province was embarking on a robust programme aimed at promoting and attracting investment to enhance job creation as well as market linkages and technological transfer between local and large scale investors as envisaged in the country’s 8th National Development Plan.
And Chinese Ambassador to Zambia Du Xiaohui said it is the duty of the current generation to transform the TAZARA to a road towards development, prosperity and green transformation.
Ambassador Du Xiaohui said China will this year work at setting up the Zambia -Tanzania- China working group aimed revitalising the TAZARA railway line into a modern mode of transport and increase its capacity to match with regional needs.
The 47th anniversary Commemorations which ended with a train ride between Kapiri and Luanshimba railway siding was attended by several Chinese and Zambian government officials.
CREDIT : TF