DAR ES SALAAM, Jan 27 (NNN-DAILYNEWS) — TANZANIA has expressed appreciation to Chinese companies for their significant role in the country’s development.
The Deputy Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation, Methuselah Ntonda said that Chinese businesses have been at the forefront of several key infrastructure projects in the country, underscoring their contribution to Tanzania’s ongoing progress.
He was speaking on behalf of Minister for Information, Culture, Arts and Sports, Prof Palamagamba Kabudi during the celebration of the Chinese New Year held in Dar es Salaam recently brought together over 300 Chinese nationals living in Tanzania.
Ntonda expressed heartfelt gratitude to Chinese companies for their significant role in Tanzania’s development.
“The presence of Chinese companies in Tanzania is evident in the numerous developmental projects they have undertaken, helping to improve the country’s economy and enhance its global standing,” Ntonda said.
The celebration also featured remarks by Chinese Ambassador to Tanzania, Chen Mingjian, who elaborated on the strengthening of Sino-Tanzanian relations over the years.
Ambassador Chen highlighted that since the beginning of the new era, China has steadfastly adhered to its principles of mutual cooperation with Tanzania.
“We have worked together with our Tanzanian friends to continuously enrich the content of the comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership between our two countries,” said Chen.
She added that China and Tanzania are committed to building a high-level China-Tanzania and China-Africa community with a shared future, positioning themselves as a backbone for South-South cooperation and a model for international relations.
Over the past 60 years, economic and trade cooperation between the two nations has yielded impressive results, particularly in areas like infrastructure, energy, and agriculture.
Ambassador Chen also noted that the enthusiasm for learning the Chinese language in Tanzania has grown steadily, further fostering mutual understanding and friendship between the peoples of both countries.
One of the central themes of the celebration was the traditional Chinese Spring Festival, which marks the beginning of the lunar new year.
This year, the festival falls on Jan 29, ushering in the Year of the Snake. The Spring Festival, recognized as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO, holds deep significance for the Chinese people as a time for reunion, happiness, and shared hopes for prosperity and well-being in the coming year.
“The Spring Festival is a celebration of Chinese tradition, a time when families reunite and look forward to a bright future. This festival represents our common human desires for happiness and fulfillment, something we share not only in China but also with our Tanzanian friends,” Ambassador Chen remarked.
The evening’s festivities were not just about cultural celebrations, but also a reminder of the natural affinity between the peoples of China and Tanzania.
This amity, as described by Chen, forms the foundation of the robust relationship between the two countries. Whether through economic partnerships, educational exchanges, or cultural celebrations, the bond between China and Tanzania continues to grow stronger, ushering in a new year of opportunities and shared aspirations.
“As the Year of the Snake begins, both nations look forward to further cooperation, building on the trust and friendship that have been cultivated over the years. With mutual respect and a shared commitment to development, China and Tanzania are poised to continue flourishing together in the years ahead,” said Ambassador Chen. — NNN-DAILYNEWS
