The 7th President of Zanzibar Dr. Ali Mohamed Shein, welcomed Vice-President of the National People’s Congress of the People’s Republic of China, Cai Dafeng, to discuss business and investment opportunities to steer their respective countries to economic growth and development. Mr. Dafeng had visited Tanzania to have similar talks with the authorities.
China – Zanzibar bilateral relations were established half a century ago and both parties have gained from this. Mr. Dafeng’s visit to Tanzania and its archipelago does not only show a healthy relationship between China and its trading partner but the determination of East Asian country to invest in the East African region, arguably the most attractive business hub in Africa.
Chinese foreign investments in Africa continue to pile up as with projects in various sectors undertaken by Chinese businesses. Their dominance in the continent is however shaken by increased interest by other foreign companies that seek to establish their firms in Africa and exploit the untapped business potential. Most notably are the American investors who continue to increase their investments, proving to be competitive to China.
China has supported several development programmes in Zanzibar including education, water, industries, and infrastructure. The East Asian country has a wealth of experience and expertise in the diverse sectors that have opened business opportunities. Their involvement in the African economies has created employment opportunities and improved the business outlook of such countries.
Zanzibar seeks to attract more tourists to its country with China being an attractive tourism market. It is dubbed as the world’s largest tourism market which can be harnessed for economic value. Tanzania could reap significant revenue from the nation’s tourism sector, with the aggressive marketing strategy in the Asian and European continent.
Fishing and oil industry are investment areas Zanzibar and China have worked in closely with Zanzibar’s fisheries minister visiting China early this year. In 2017, China’s commerce ministry funded a fisheries training program for Zanzibar officials, delivered by the Fujian Institute of Oceanography.
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