By Prosper Makene
THE government of United Republic of
Tanzania has appreciated it’s sold relations with China, saying the friendship
between Dodoma and Beijing will continue to last for a long time.
This was said on Monday evening in Dar es
Salaam by the Minister for Constitutional and Legal Affairs Dr Damas Ndumbaro
at the launch of CRJE Corporate Social Responsibility report and Johari Rotana
Hotel Open Day .
The event attracted various guests including, John Mnali, the Director of
Investment Promotion at Tanzania Investment Center (TIC) , the Chairman of
Mwalimu Nyerere Foundation Joseph
Butiku and the Chinese ambassador to
Tanzania Chen Mingjian.
Speaking on behalf of Minister Ndumbaro, a
senior official in the same ministry identified as Shoma Philip Ndono, said
CRJE has deepened the friendship between China and Tanzania.”
“We appreciate it and wish our friendship
to continue to last for a long time to come in the future,” said Minister
Ndumbaro.
He said the Chinese construction company
has been in Tanzania for the past 55 years and has done a good job for the social welfare of Tanzanians.
“They brought us more than 200 projects and
they made great contributions to the environment and safety, Tanzania
employment as well as social responsibility implementation” he said.
Speaking at the sideline of the event, Director
of Investment Promotion at TIC John Mnali thanked the Chinese firm for
launching the report urging it to go beyond and support challenges facing the
community.
He said the company has been supporting the
community in education, infrastructure and environment protection which plays a
crucial contribution to the sustainable
development goals of Tanzania .
Mnali said transparency and accountability
are the cornerstone of the Chinese company urging others to emulate the example
shown.
He urged the company to continue working
closely with the government and other institutions for the benefits of peoples
in two countries.
He assured that the government of Tanzania
will make sure that investors are conducting their activities under a conducive
environment.
On her speech, the Chinese Ambassador to
Tanzania, Chen mingjian said: “On behalf of embassy of China in Tanzania, i
would like to express our sincere and warm congratulation and appreciation to
CRJE for the contribution to social responsibility.”
The Envoy further said: “CRJE has
established a solid foundation in Tanzania for 55 years. Founded in 1969, it
was involved in the construction of the great Tazara railway, the largest ever
complete project with China grants. As the major force to Tazara railway
construction, CRJE, together with the prople of Tanzania and Zambia, finished
the construction of this great project, paving a road of immortal Sino-Tanzania
friendship.”
The Ambassador pointed out that from the
Nyerere bridge, new parliamentary debating chamber, Dodoma convention centre,
to the University of Dodoma campus, the Nyerere Foundation Square and Nyerere
Leadership School, the CRJE has completed over 3 million square meters, 200
major projects in Tanzania.
“CRJE impressive accomplishments in justice
development, sports and people’s health, contribution to education, tourism, infrastructure,
agriculture, public-well, environment governance in Tanzania have always
followed high standards. The company has been awarded three time best foreign
contractor in Tanzania, and three time’s Luban award-the Chinese Oscar award
for quality in construction,” she said.
She insisted: “At the same time, like CRJE,
other Chinese companies in Tanzania have consistently adhered to national
policies, embraced a spirit of win-win cooperation, and actively fulfilled its
corporate social responsibility as well as forged deep friendships with Tanzania
communities.”
The China Ambassador to Tanzania went on to
say that this year marks the 60th anniversary of diplomatic ties between China
and Tanzania. “On April 26, 2024, President Xi Jinping and Tanzania President Samia
Suluhu Hassan exchanged congratulatory messages to celebrate the 60th
anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and Tanzania. In September,
the successful hosting of the forum on China-Africa cooperation the Beijing
summit, during the bilateral meeting, President Xi JinPing and President Samia
agreed to elevate the common values and leading role of our bilateral
relations.”
She concluded: “Looking ahead, we hope all
the companies of the Tanzania Chinese enterprises association to continue the
spirit of the Tazara railway of which remains committed to its mission and
continues to achieve new high on this journey and contribute even more to the
strong bond and cooperation between China and Tanzania
On his part, the CRJE Chairman Jiang Yuntao
said that the release of their Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Report is
a true significant milestone in their company’s development and a reflection of
commitment to working hand in hand with Tanzanian society.
“As a Chinese engineering enterprise deeply
rooted in Tanzania, CRJE has always believe the philosophy of ‘building
excellent projects and setting a benchmark in social responsibility’. Since our
establishment, we have actively participated in Tanzania’s economic
development. Among our many projects, the most significant is our involvement
in constructing the TAZARA Railway. This railway is not only a symbol of
China-Tanzania friendship but also a bridge connecting the hearts and dreams of
our two peoples,” the CRJE Chairman said.
Yuntao added: “Over the years, we have
committed ourselves not only to infrastructure construction but also
investments, a total investment of over 260 million USD such as Johari Rotana
we are here today, Buguruni Business Park, Noble Victoria Center, and Noble
Peninsula Center to be opened next year.
Besides,through technical training, community
development, and environmental protection, we have actively fulfilled our
corporate social responsibilities. We deeply understand that a company’s growth
is inseparable from the support and trust of the local community. This is why
we always align our mission with Tanzania’s socio-economic development needs.”
He noted: “Today's CSR report is not just a
reflection of the work we have done in the past but also a promise to continue
contributing to Tanzania's growth. We are committed to working closely with the
Tanzanian government, private sector, and local communities to support national
development and improve the quality of life for its people. At the same time, we
reaffirm our dedication to being a responsible corporate entity, positively
impacting the growing partnership between China and Tanzania. Together, we aim
to build a brighter future for the country and strengthen the enduring ties
between our nations.”
In closing remark, the Chairman said: “I
would like to express my sincere gratitude to all the distinguished guests for
your presence and support. Let us work together to write a new chapter in the
enduring friendship between China and Tanzania! May this event be a great
success, and may the friendship between our two countries last forever.”
Ends