President Jacob Zuma and his Tanzanian counterpart John Magufuli have vowed to reinforce cooperation between their countries to benefit their citizens. This came out during President Zuma’s state visit to the east African country.
The two leaders launched the SA-Tanzania Bi-National Commission which held its first meeting in the Tanzanian capital Dar es Salaam on Thursday afternoon.
With a two-way trade of just R10 billion, South Africa and Tanzania have agreed to bolster their trade and investment relations.
On Thursday, both countries signed three Memoranda of Understanding in the areas of Water Resources, Biodiversity and Conservation and Transport.
Speaking through an interpreter, Tanzanian President Magufuli says these agreements will, among others, help to unlock the economic potential between the two countries.
Both countries have also instructed their presidents to co-chair the Bi-National Commission that will monitor all bilateral agreements between the two sister republics.
President Zuma says they will hold regular meetings to review the progress of implementation.
His sentiments were echoed President Magufuli who stressed the importance of implementing the agreements insisting they will seek clarity when their ministers and officials are not doing their work.
Both presidents will address the South Africa-Tanzania Business Forum later on Thursday evening.
Currently, more than 150 South African companies are doing business in Tanzania in different sectors that include banking and telecommunications among others.
– By Ntebo Mokobo
