Omar Mjenga, Tanzania’s consul to Dubai, has appealed for an elevation of UAE diplomatic presence in the country amid rising economic ties
Tanzania’s consul general in Dubai, Omar Rajab Mjenga, has appealed to the UAE to open a consulate in Zanzibar to “enhance connectivity between the two countries and spur the flow of investment”, speaking to Gulf Today at his residence.
Mjenga said the two countries have a special relationship that is increasingly translated into more business and tourism opportunities for both Dar es Salaam and Abu Dhabi. Related article SSA Investments signs MoU with Ugandan trade minister for cotton revival
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“Our diplomatic relationship has been ongoing for 15 years, and its fruits abound. We have organised tourism and investment forays, attracting a number of firms and businessmen to Tanzania,” he said.
However, he said it was still a shame for a country so gifted with natural resources as magnificent as Mount Kilimanjaro as well as a host of national parks to only record 1.1 million visitors, compared to Dubai’s 18 million.
“Transport is vital, and since we have flydubai reaching out to five destinations within TZ, we shall hold negotiations with them to open links with our flag carrier,” he noted.
flydubai started operating in East Africa this year landing at Entebbe in Uganda and at Dar es Salaam, Arusha, Mbeya, Zanzibar and Mwanza in Tanzania.
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Referring to ongoing negotiations with companies such as Emirates National Oil Company (ENOC) to build a refinery in Tanzania, Mjenga predicted that the country would become a hub for other countries in East and Central Africa, as well as for foreign direct investment.
Last month, Tanzania held a Tourism and Investment Forum in Dubai, at which he noted that, “many deals were cut and we are witnessing the progress. We want to hold it annually.”
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Related article SSA Investments signs MoU with Ugandan trade minister for cotton revival
Turkish-based SSA Investments has signed and memorandum with Uganda in a bid to revive the country’s cotton business.