Everyone wants to come to Guangdong to seek opportunities: Consul General of Tanzania in Guangzhou

"Nansha port ships about 700 containers monthly to Tanzania!" When Khatibu Makenga, Consul General of Tanzania in Guangzhou, visited Nansha port for the first time, he was impressed by "the huge, growing business between China and Tanzania." 

In a recent interview with GDToday, Khatibu Makenga, who came to this city in January 2022, shared his insights into the cooperation between Tanzania and Guangdong, as well as his "big goals" for the future.

"Tanzania has not been left out in initiatives launched by the Chinese government in terms of infrastructure"

One important step in the history of China-Tanzania exchanges was in the 1970s when the Chinese government decided to assist Tanzania with the construction of the 1860.5-kilometer Tanzania-Zambia Railway (TAZARA). 

The railway of freedom and friendship for Southeastern Africa, according to Makenga, plays a significant role in facilitating that African countries, especially southeastern part Africa are getting services that transport materials and people from one place to another.

TAZARA started operation in 1976 and has become an economic catalyst for eastern and southern African nations, which also turned into a symbol of friendship between the peoples of China and Africa.

"Tanzania has not been left out in participating in those initiatives launched by the Chinese government in terms of infrastructure," said Makenga. Currently, under the Belt and Road Initiative, a considerable number of Chinese companies have undertaken the construction of roads, telecommunications and ports in Tanzania.

Despite formidable challenges in the post-pandemic era, the high-quality development of China's economy has provided strong momentum for Africa's economic recovery. It provides a larger market for African countries' commodity exports and more opportunities for African countries to attract foreign investment and accelerates the process of industrialization, according to the article "Quality development of China's economy brings opportunities to China-Tanzania cooperation"by Chen Mingjian, China's Ambassador to Tanzania.

Statistics show that in 2021, the bilateral trade volume reached 6.74 billion USD, up 47.1% year on year. Among them, Tanzania's exports to China amounted to 606 million USD, up 47.3% year on year, and the growth rate was faster than the average level in Africa.

Guangdong produces what the Tanzanians need for the additional value of their products

Before COVID-19, 90 % of Tanzanian citizens who were coming to China would come through Guangdong province to seek opportunities for trade and investment. Makenga explained that there are quite a lot of Tanzanians who have decided to settle here in Guangdong. 

"They have invested here and some have also started their families, like the links between the Tanzanian people and the activities in China, they have been providing some proper information on what is available here," said he.

Meanwhile, a significant number of Chinese people from Guangdong province are also living and working in Tanzania as well, offering clear and proper information about what’s going on in Tanzania.

The information sharing, together with Guangdong's strength in digital economy, leads to the closer trade ties between the two sides. 

Guangdong is producing what the Tanzanians need for the additional value of their products and also what they need in the Tanzanian markets. Electronics and garments and home appliances there are things that are mainly bought from Guangdong. Digital platforms such as Alibaba, provide convenience for Tanzanians to do business or buy products online. 

Makenga added, "They can get whatever they want at their fingertips. There have been very close links between Guangdong and the Tanzanian people."

Makenga sets "Big goals" for the Tanzania-Guangdong ties

Now, with the release of "The Master Plan of Guangzhou Nansha on Deepening Comprehensive Cooperation between Guangdong, Hong Kong and Macao with Global Perspective", Makenga believes that it will create a better environment for the Tanzanian business people. 

"The construction of facilities will allow them to make fast movements between different places and then they will be able to transport goods from any place inside Guangdong province."

He added, "Having Nansha port here, we would love to see our products that are looking for markets, will be stationed here in a warehouse whereby Chinese companies can get Tanzanian cashew nuts or soybeans without travelling abroad." 

To facilitate more cooperation in various fields, Makenga has set some "big goals". In his presence here, he wants to see that everything is increasing, such as the trade volume between the two countries and the number of investors coming from Guangdong province to Tanzania. 

"The ultimate goal here is to make sure that every aspect we are aiming at will be doubled or tripled in a few years to come, " he concluded.

Reporter | Hannah, Krystal (intern)

Filming | Eastbrook, Baoyi You (intern)

Video editor | Zoey

Poster | Mia

Editor | Wing, Keane, Steven, Jerry

With help from Shuhan Wu (intern)