SAMIA URGES TANZANIA-RUSSIA DEALS TO MOVE FROM WORDS TO ACTION

By Our Correspondent, TBN, Moscow

President of the United Republic of Tanzania, Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan, has said the time has come for Tanzania and Russia to move beyond discussions and begin implementing agreements aimed at promoting trade and investment between the two countries.

She noted that investing in Tanzania is profitable, particularly in strategic sectors aligned with the implementation of the country's Vision 2050 development agenda.

President Samia said Tanzania's doors remain open for the realization of agreements on the establishment of pharmaceutical manufacturing industries, pesticide production facilities, and other investments that will benefit both nations.

She added that, as part of efforts to facilitate the implementation of investment agreements, Air Tanzania Company Limited (ATCL) will begin direct flights between Dar es Salaam, Moscow, and Zanzibar starting on July 2 this year.

The President also expressed hope that Russia's Azur Airline will launch similar direct flights.

Speaking to business leaders on the opportunities available for citizens of both countries to benefit from the growing partnership, President Samia highlighted Russian investments in Tanzania and invited investors and businesspeople to explore opportunities in energy, mining, pharmaceuticals, pesticides, and agriculture. She stressed that significant changes are needed to reduce the trade imbalance between the two countries.

She said the current volume of trade does not reflect the enormous potential for deeper cooperation, particularly in strategic sectors that support Tanzania's National Development Vision 2050.

Meanwhile, Russia's Minister of Economic Development, Maxim Reshetnikov, praised President Samia's efforts to open up Tanzania to international investment and business opportunities.

He said those efforts are already yielding positive results and affirmed that Russia is ready to collaborate with Tanzania on its strategic development projects.

According to the minister, Russia will continue creating investment opportunities in Tanzania, particularly in agriculture, technology, and manufacturing.

"Tanzania is a gateway to East Africa. We are ready to provide our technology and expertise, and we are prepared to participate in establishing pharmaceutical and fertilizer industries," he emphasized, while thanking Tanzanian business leaders for their strong participation following the Arusha meeting and for their commitment to advancing bilateral initiatives.

Speaking after the conclusion of the business forum, Tanzanian businessman Dhruv Jog said the decision to include business leaders in the President's delegation and investment conference demonstrates the importance placed on the private sector in transforming the lives of Tanzanians.

He noted that the move is opening new opportunities for the private sector and that gaining access to the Russian market will enable Tanzanians to trade with approximately 15 countries within Russia's regional economic sphere, creating additional income opportunities.

This historic visit, only the second of its kind in the history of Tanzania-Russia relations, follows the first visit made in the 1960s by Tanzania's founding father, Julius Nyerere. Through this visit, President Samia is advancing a broader campaign to ensure Tanzania benefits economically from its strong relationships with countries around the world.

During her stay in Russia, President Samia held talks with Vladimir Putin aimed at strengthening diplomatic, political, economic, and historical ties between Tanzania and Russia.

She also positioned Tanzania as an attractive investment destination through her address at a major international investment forum in Saint Petersburg.