Changsha, China. Tanzania and China have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening economic diplomacy, with both sides pledging closer cooperation on infrastructure, trade, and strategic development initiatives.
This emerged following bilateral talks between Tanzania’s minister for Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation, Mahmoud Thabit Kombo, and China’s Foreign Minister, Wang Yi, on the sidelines of the China-Africa Cooperation Forum (FOCAC) held in Changsha on June 10, 2025.
In his remarks, Mr Wang said China remained committed to consolidating its long-standing historical relationship with Tanzania, which dates back to the era of founding leaders Julius Nyerere and Mao Zedong.
He cited the rehabilitation of the Tanzania-Zambia Railway (TAZARA) as a flagship project symbolising the enduring Sino-African partnership.
Beyond historical ties, Mr Wang pledged China’s continued support for Tanzania’s development agenda through financing and implementation of major infrastructure and industrial projects. He noted that these efforts are intended to bolster Tanzania’s economic growth in line with broader continental aspirations under FOCAC.
Mr Kombo welcomed the assurance, thanking the Chinese government for its sustained development support.
He reiterated Tanzania’s interest in advancing priority areas under the FOCAC framework, including infrastructure, agriculture, industrial development, and human capital.
“China has been a reliable partner, and we intend to deepen our engagement particularly in areas that support our national development goals,” said Mr Kombo, calling for enhanced market access for Tanzanian products in China.
He urged Beijing to simplify export procedures to help more Tanzanian goods reach the vast Chinese market.
The ministers also agreed to maintain close cooperation on global issues of mutual interest, in line with ongoing efforts to reposition Tanzania’s foreign policy to focus more strongly on economic diplomacy.
The ministry of Foreign Affairs has in recent years pursued a more proactive agenda aimed at leveraging diplomatic platforms to promote investment, trade, and tourism.
The talks in Changsha mark a continuation of that shift, as Tanzania seeks to translate long-standing bilateral relations into tangible economic benefits.
However, analysts caution that while commitments at the diplomatic level are important, success will largely depend on how swiftly and effectively projects are implemented and whether local businesses and producers are prepared to meet the standards of the Chinese market.
