Tanzania: China Promises to Boost Tourism in Butiama

THE Chinese government plans to promote tourism in the country, particularly in Butiama, the birthplace of the country's founding father Mwalimu Julius Nyerere.

This was said recently by the Chinese Deputy Ambassador to Tanzania, who is also the political attaché at the Embassy, Mr Li Xuhang when he paid a courtesy call at Butiama District Council.

Mr Xuhang said that for years Tanzania and China have enjoyed a healthy relationship. He said that Butiama holds great potential for economic growth, adding that his government will look into ways of supporting the district to boost tourism.

"In one of the meetings with the Prime Minister, Mizengo Pinda, urged our government to look into ways of promoting the tourism in Butiama, as the place holds a great history of the nation," he said.

The premier said that each year, China receives over two million tourists visiting the birthplace of Chairman Mao Zedong found in Shaoshan province in China.

He said that the whole infrastructure of Shaoshan province is ideal for the influx of tourists every year, saying that with better infrastructure in Butiama the same could happen.

District Commissioner (DC), Angelina Mabula told the visiting Chinese delegation that there is special need to focus on a working relationship between Butiama and Shaoshan province of China.

The DC further said there is an urgent need to renovate the tourist attractions in Butiama like quality roads, financial institutions and hotels. "Apart from improving infrastructure and expanding the Mwalimu Nyerere Museum, there is a need to consider special training for Tanzanian curators, she stressed.

The Deputy Ambassador and Musoma Mayor, Alex Kisurura signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), aiming towards a close relationship between Musoma and Shaoshan province. Minister for Energy and Minerals, Prof Sospeter Muhongo was present at the event held at Mwisenge Primary School, where Mwalimu Julius Nyerere obtained his primary education.

The Chinese Deputy Ambassador said that the government of China has offered to construct a laboratory at the school to the tune of 20 million/-.

Before laying the foundation stone at the selected spot for the laboratory, Mr Xuhang said that his government places emphasis on education, saying that this is why over 200 Tanzania students study in China every year.

He said plans are underway to increase the number. The Chinese Embassy donated books and awarded top performing pupils at the school while free medical checkups were conducted by eight Chinese doctors.