Tanzania and Egypt are intensifying efforts to bolster their partnership in the transport sector, aiming to enhance trade and economic ties between the two African nations.
In a high-level meeting held in Dar es Salaam, delegates from both governments, including transport ministers and Egyptian investors, convened to explore avenues for mutual cooperation and investment opportunities.
Tanzania’s Minister for Transport, Professor Makame Mbarawa, urged Egyptian investors to consider investing in Dar es Salaam Port, particularly in the construction of berths 13 to 15, highlighting the crucial role such infrastructure would play in addressing congestion issues.
Prof. Mbarawa also presented various investment opportunities, including the development of Bagamoyo Port, an Oil Jet at Tanga Port, a Dry Cargo Terminal in Mtwara, and Dry Ports in Dodoma, Kigoma, Mwanza, Dar es Salaam, and the Coast Region, all aimed at bolstering the nation's transport infrastructure.
Highlighting the significance of transport in driving economic growth, Prof. Mbarawa emphasized Tanzania's pivotal role as a gateway to several land-linked countries in the region, stressing the need to strengthen its transport network to facilitate market growth and international trade.
The ongoing Dar es Salaam Maritime Gateway Project, aimed at enhancing the efficiency of the Dar es Salaam Port, was also discussed. The project includes deepening berths to accommodate larger vessels and the construction of the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR).
Prof. Mbarawa stressed that through collaboration and capacity-building initiatives, the transport sector would be enhanced, fostering sustainable development.
Egypt's Minister for Transport, Mr. Kamel El Wazir, expressed appreciation for the longstanding relationship between the two countries and underscored Egypt's commitment to enhancing trade connectivity and transport networks within Africa.
Acknowledging Tanzania's strategic position as a gateway to land-linked countries, Mr. El Wazir emphasized the importance of cooperation between Dar es Salaam Port and Egyptian ports, proposing the construction of dry ports in Tanzania to facilitate cargo transportation to surrounding countries.
The strategic meeting, which brought together key officials from various organizations, including the Tanzania Ports Authority, Tanzania Railway Corporation, and Marine Services Company Ltd, signals a renewed commitment to strengthening bilateral ties and unlocking new avenues for economic collaboration between Tanzania and Egypt.
