SINO-TANZANIA PARTNERSHIP: Trade and Industry Minister Abdallah Kigoda joins China envoy to Tanzania Li Yuoqing in a ribbon-cutting ceremony to mark the start of a four-day exhibition of Chinese products at the Diamond Jubilee Hall in Dar es Salaam on Thursday. PHOTO | SAID KHAMIS
What you need to know:
Call was made at the launch of Brands of China African Showcase 2014, which started yesterday and will end on Sunday this week
Dar es Salaam. The minister for Industry and Trade, Dr Abdallah Kigoda, yesterday called on the Chinese business community to build manufacturing industries in the country to mutually benefit both nations.
The call was made at the launch of Brands of China African Showcase 2014, which started yesterday and will end on Sunday this week. The event brings over 100 Chinese companies which are showcasing products.
Among the companies present are World Top 500 enterprises such a: Guangdong Lesso Technology Industrial Co Limited, Jiangsu High Hope Group, Shenzhen Yingli New Energy Resources Co Limited, Nanjing Automobile Import and Export Co Limited and Shanghai Warrior Shoes Co Limited and Shanghai Huayi Company.
Products displayed span from machinery, vehicles, home appliances, electronics and solar energy products, consumer goods, building materials, chemical, medical and comprehensive products.
Dr Kigoda said it is time for the Chinese nation to invest in the manufacturing sector which would add value to the country’s profile by reducing the exporting of raw materials which adversely affects the economy.
“A great part of our exports are raw materials which after being processed outside, are then sold back to us. We are acting as a global supermarket for goods made from materials produced in our country,” said Dr Kigoda.
He said this has to change because it has adverse impacts on employment and the economy. He suggests that one way of addressing the challenge is through promoting value addition in the country.
Dr Kigoda acknowledged the Chinese interest in doing business and investing in the country in different area such as a Sh16 trillion ($10 billion) investment in Bagamoyo Export Processing Zone. He also said the current efforts of laying down infrastructure in Kigoma Region will be an area that Chinese communities can invest in.
