By Happiness Shayo
Dar es Salaam –On the 101st anniversary of the Republic of Turkey, Tanzania’s Minister of Natural Resources and Tourism, Ambassador Dr. Pindi Chana, highlighted the continued growth in diplomatic relations between Tanzania and Turkey, particularly in trade, infrastructure, tourism, and education. Her remarks came during a celebration held in Dar es Salaam, marking over six decades of productive bilateral relations.
Speaking
at the event on October 29, 2024, Ambassador Dr. Chana (pictured) emphasized
the robust economic cooperation between the two countries. “Tanzania and Turkey
have maintained strong economic relations through trade and investment,” she
noted, adding that Tanzania's exports to Turkey averaged USD 15.9 million
annually from 2019 to 2023, while imports from Turkey reached an annual average
of USD 242.1 million.
Turkish
investment has also flourished in Tanzania, with 106 registered projects on the
mainland worth USD 414.23 million and an additional 12 projects in Zanzibar
valued at USD 96.4 million. These investments, she noted, have created nearly
6,800 jobs for Tanzanians, showcasing the strength of the two nations'
partnership.
Ambassador
Dr. Chana also highlighted the positive impact of Turkish-Tanzanian
collaboration in tourism, noting that direct flights between the two countries
have contributed significantly to the rise in Turkish visitors to Tanzania,
growing from 5,177 in 2020 to 11,203 in 2023.
Turkish
Ambassador to Tanzania, Dr. Mehmet Güllüoğlu, expressed his appreciation for
the conducive business environment fostered under President Samia Suluhu
Hassan’s leadership. He stated that this has paved the way for over 200 Turkish
companies to establish operations in Tanzania. Dr. Güllüoğlu remarked that the
anniversary celebration catalyzes strengthening relations in fields such as
health, education, infrastructure, tourism, and trade.
Diplomatic
relations between Tanzania and Turkey, established on July 5, 1963, have proven
mutually beneficial. The ceremony was attended by Deputy Minister of Industry and
Trade, Mr. Exaud Kigahe, along with Ambassadors, High Commissioners, heads of
international organizations, and Tanzanian government leaders and officials.