India, Tanzania strengthen ties

India is targeting the health, education and water sectors as the Asian country expresses its commitment to strengthening bilateral ties with Tanzania.

The Indian investment projects were estimated at 630 worth $3.74 billion by 2021/22 and were expected to create over 6,000 employment opportunities when they were fully implemented.

Addressing the audience during the celebration of 77 years of India’s independence on Tuesday evening, the Minister for Livestock and Fisheries, Mr. Abdalah Ulega, said the relationship between the two countries is remarkable due to many areas of cooperation.

Mr. Ulega added that India is the fifth largest investor in Tanzania, as the trade volume has increased to $3.1 billion in 2021/22 from $2.2 billion in previous years, and he welcomed more business and investment.

“Tanzania will continue to create a conducive environment that will attract more business from India as well as Tanzanians exploring business opportunities in India and paying way deeper cooperation,” he stressed.

In the area of health, just last month the governments of Tanzania and India had a fruitful discussion on how they can invest in the health sector, particularly in building modern hospitals as well as pharmaceutical industries, adding that the establishment of such a programme will support the government’s initiative to provide quality services.

“We are looking forward to further discussion on surge investment so that we can increase the life expectancy of Tanzanians by receiving quality health services,” he insisted.

Speaking at the event, the Indian High Commissioner, Mr Binaya Pradhan, said there was a week of celebration before the date of a golf tournament between India and Tanzania.

He said India’s relationship with India is growing stronger every year in different areas—economic, cultural, and political—with various visits by senior government officials from both countries aimed at strengthening the relationship.

In addition to that, the economic engagement remains strong, highlighting that India remains the largest destination for Tanzania’s exports, with more investment coming in the sectors of mining, health, and energy, among others.

“We will appreciate the six-phase government for the economic reforms that were taken by President Samia Suluhu Hassan, which have already been noticed by Indian business people who are coming to explore the opportunities in Tanzania,” he said.

In the area of education, the Indians provide scholarships to over 700 Tanzanians a year to study various courses.