What Tanzania can gain from the 7th CIIE in Shanghai

TANZANIA: AS the Tanzanian business community, made up of 34 companies, prepares to attend the 7th China International Import Expo (CIIE) in Shanghai from November 5th to November 10th, the importance of such events in fostering global economic cooperation is clear.

The CIIE plays a vital role in promoting international trade and driving economic growth, contributing to a more open world economy.

Tanzania stands to gain several key benefits from this opportunity: Market Access: The expo provides a platform for Tanzanian businesses to showcase their products to a vast audience, including Chinese consumers and international buyers, helping to open new markets for Tanzanian exports. Investment Opportunities: CIIE attracts investors seeking new ventures.

Tanzania can highlight its investment-friendly environment and rich natural resources, potentially drawing foreign direct investment. Networking: The event allows Tanzanian delegates to connect with industry leaders, potential partners and government officials, fostering collaborations that enhance trade and investment ties.

Learning and Innovation: By engaging with Chinese companies and other international participants, Tanzanian businesses can learn about new technologies, business practices and market trends, driving innovation at home. Promotion of Key Sectors: Tanzania can promote vital sectors like agriculture, tourism and mining, which may lead to increased interest and partnerships.

Strengthening Bilateral Relations: Participation can enhance diplomatic and economic ties between Tanzania and China, paving the way for future collaborations. Showcasing Culture and Heritage: CIIE also offers an opportunity to promote Tanzanian culture, which can boost tourism and cultural exchanges.

By leveraging these opportunities, Tanzania aims to enhance its economic growth and global trade relationships, especially by exhibiting products such as cashew nuts, coconut oil, honey, wine, tobacco, handicrafts and cloves from Zanzibar.

The China International Import Expo is one of the largest trade fairs in China, facilitating economic cooperation and trade among countries worldwide. It also streamlines customs clearance, inspection and quarantine processes, providing long-term transaction services and strengthening protection of intellectual property rights for merchants.

During a recent celebration marking the ‘Sixty Years of Friendship between China and Tanzania’ in Dar es Salaam, Chinese Ambassador to Tanzania, Chen Mingjian, emphasised the embassy’s readiness to support Tanzanian exhibitors. She noted that President Dr Hussein Mwinyi has been warmly invited to attend the 7th CIIE to engage with Chinese leaders and showcase Tanzanian products.

At the 2024 FOCAC Beijing Summit, President Xi Jinping announced initiatives to expand market access, including zero tariffs on all tariff lines for Least Developed Countries with diplomatic relations with China, benefiting 33 African nations.

Ambassador Chen highlighted Tanzania’s active role in FOCAC and its ongoing diplomatic relationship with China, noting that this year marks the 60th anniversary of their diplomatic ties.

With a projected bilateral trade volume of $8.78 billion in 2023—an 8.9 per cent increase year-on-year—Tanzania is poised for significant economic engagement. CIIE, envisioned by President Xi Jinping, is the world’s first import-themed national exhibition, creating opportunities for global companies and effectively promoting international trade growth.

This year, the food and agricultural products exhibition area will be expanded, with a focus on enhancing the representation of African food products.

Since its inception in 2018, the CIIE has become a key platform for international procurement, investment promotion and cultural exchanges, connecting China with the world and sharing opportunities from its vast market.

The event will feature comprehensive exhibitions from various countries and businesses under the theme “New Era, Shared Future.” Over the past six years, the CIIE has welcomed over 180 countries and international organisations, making it a vital window for China to promote high-level openness and contribute positively to global economic recovery.

Zanzibar’s Minister for Trade and Industrial Development, Omar Said Shaaban, stressed the importance of such exhibitions in showcasing Tanzanian products. He reiterated President Mwinyi’s commitment to policies that facilitate access to global markets.

TanTrade Director General Latifa Khamis added that participation in these exhibitions provides a valuable forum for Tanzania to network and learn from others on enhancing quality and advancing in business.