Hu´s visit further enhances economic ties with Tanzania

Source: Xinhua | 02-11-2009 13:28

DAR ES SALAAM, Feb. 10 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Hu Jintao's upcoming visit to Tanzania will further enhance bilateral economic cooperation and help both countries tide over global financial crisis, said a senior Tanzanian investment official in a recent interview with Xinhua.

Emmanuel Ole Naiko, executive director of Tanzania's Investment Center, said Tanzania and China will not only overcome the international financial crisis through cooperation of mutual benefit, but also deepen long-standing friendship between the two countries.

Hu's visit will testify to China's pledge to forge ahead with its strategic partnership with Africa and African countries, he said.

Trade and investment from Asian countries with their African counterparts, including Tanzania, have seen a continuous increase over the past few years, particularly since the 2006 China-Africa Summit held in Beijing, Ole Naiko added. .

Trade volumes between China and Africa reached over 100 billion U.S. dollars last year, up from 20 billion dollars in 2002, he noted.

The investment chief also brushed aside allegations that China was just chasing after Africa's natural resources, citing examples of China's investment and assistance in many other fields such as agriculture, tourism, infrastructure and mineral industry.