ANALYSIS: Celebrating Nordic countries’ bilateral ties with Tanzania

This year the Nordic countries – Denmark, Finland, Norway and Sweden – celebrate Nordic Week in Tanzania for the fourth time. Nordic Week highlights the strong ties and over 50 years of cooperation between Tanzania and the Nordic countries. Nordic Week is an opportunity to share our values and learn from each other’s experiences. The theme of the week this year is “Building Partnerships for Sustainable Development”.

The Nordic countries have a long tradition of mutual cooperation based on our common historical, cultural and geographical heritage. We share values of equality, respect of human rights, rule of law, transparency, innovation, and sustainability. These shared values provide a strong foundation for our societies and interaction between people and governments.

Equal opportunities

For Nordic countries, equality means equal opportunities for all, regardless of background. It means equal opportunities in access to services like education and health care but also in employment and public participation. It also brings responsibilities, such as a just taxation. Accountability, transparency and new ideas are important for economic growth and development. We need everyone’s contribution; people’s engagement and participation socially and economically. We will not and cannot afford to leave anyone behind. This includes strong emphasis on gender equality. Both women and men play equally important roles in building and shaping our societies and economies. For inclusive and sustainable policies and resource allocation, it is vital to have gender balance in politics, economy and leadership positions.

The world’s first act on press freedom was adopted in the joint Swedish-Finnish parliament in 1766. Freedom of expression has served our countries well. These freedoms are not only a prerequisite for democracy; but also the guarantor of society’s development. The possibility to channel ideas, including contested and even controversial ideas through media, assembly or political party brings pluralism and creativity to society. We believe in an open public debate as the best way to develop sound and well-balanced policies for a healthy and stable democracy.

The Nordic Countries believe that we as nations have a responsibility to share our experiences and therefore have substantial international engagement and commitment. Our dialogue and cooperation with Tanzania continues to be strong. Tanzania was founded as a country with tolerance, freedom and respect, and we wish to support the continuation of this tradition, whether it is a question of the fight against corruption, education of girls or peaceful solutions to political differences. The Nordic countries support numerous interventions in Tanzania in close partnership with the Tanzanian government, civil society and private sector, investing inter alia in in human capital, job creation, taxation, democratic institutions and human right institutions. Together with our partners, we work towards a society where women and men, boys and girls, are treated equally and are empowered for equal opportunities in their lives, in rural and urbanized areas.

In addition to our bilateral cooperation, Tanzania and the Nordic countries are partners in multilateral fora especially in the UN and its agencies where Tanzania has a strong and respected legacy dating back to Mwalimu Nyerere.

Diversifying cooperation

Together we are diversifying our cooperation and especially emphasizing private sector participation and trade relations. Sustainable growth of trade and investment is key for all countries. Our experience is that businesses favor countries that have a stable and predictable political environment and an open dialogue between the state and private actors. Tanzania has approved the Blueprint for improving the business and investment climate in Tanzania. President Magufuli also appointed a new Minister responsible for investments. We encourage Tanzania to implement the reforms identified in the Blueprint and improve the business climate for all actors. The Nordic countries continue to promote investments in Tanzania to our respective private sector companies.

During Nordic Week, we highlight the close ties between Tanzania and the Nordic countries. This year’s events include a seminar on April 4 on climate change and the role of forests. A dialogue on the business environment and opportunities here in Tanzania takes place on April 4. Nordic Week also offers an opportunity to experience Nordic culture. The Nordic Film Festival will kick-off this Thursday at Goethe-Institute screening contemporary films from the Nordic Countries every Thursday in April. Not to forget the culture event and art workshops at Nafasi Art Space on Saturday April 6. We hope that you will take the chance to be part of Nordic Week celebrations!