Tanzania, Finland vow to enhance trade ties

Finnish Prime Minister Matti Vanhanen sees great potential for Tanzania to attract investment and tourists, saying the opportunities could help bridge trade imbalance between the two countries, local media reported on Thursday.

Vanhanen made the remarks on Wednesday at the Julius Nyerere International Airport in Dar es Salaam, briefly before his departure after a four-day visit to Tanzania.

He noted that his country would take initiative to promote tourism in Finland while expanding some other business ventures.

The Finnish prime minister also commends Tanzania's efforts in the conservation of game parks, saying it was not only the treasure of the country but of the entire world.

For his part, Tanzanian Prime Minister Mizengo Pinda said it was a challenge for the country to explore business opportunities available in Finland, calling on the private sector to be proactive in reaching out for those opportunities rather than sitting back and wait.

He also urged manufacturing companies to improve their products so that they can access and compete in the Finnish market.

The two sides were happy with the good relations that exist and flourish between the two countries, according to a communique issued by Tanzanian Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Minister Bernard Membe.

The Finnish prime minister, who also paid a courtesy call on Tanzanian President Jakaya Kikwete, praised the Tanzanian government for its fight against corruption. He inaugurated the Dar es Salaam Institute of Sustainable Development during the visit.

Source:Xinhua