Tanzanian president John Magufuli has asked visiting Turkey leader Recep Tayyip Erdoğan to support the country with a loan through Exim Bank of Turkey to help in finalizing the construction of a section of the Standard Gauge Railway project.
Magufuli as well revealed that a Turkish company was among the short-listed contractors that had bid for implementation of the multi-million dollar project that covers over 1,200 kilometres from Dar es Salaam to Mwanza.
Speaking when he hosted his Turkish leader at State House Mr Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, Dr Magufuli said that his government optimistic that when complete the SGR will help open up east Africa country for trade and its neighbours.
President Magufuli added that they are committed towards improving the construction sector and that’s why they are sourcing more funds to carry on various projects in the transport industry which has been lagging behind for years.
“For our economy to grow, we must develop friendship and co-operation with other countries…Turkey, for instance, is ranked the seventh leading producer of food crops in the world. We can use their technology to improve agriculture in our country,” President Magufuli noted.
President Erdogan was optimistic that authorities in Tanzania would provide smooth facilitation for Turkish investors wishing to invest in Tanzania.
Since assuming power in 2002 has helped Turkey deepened ties with Africa in a bid to boost its influence in a continent where China and traditional allies like Britain and the United States have deep roots.
Sources; Tanzania daily News, Construction Review, The Star