Ambassador Chen applauds TGL’s commitment to ethical journalism

By Mary Kadoke , The Guardian
Published at 07:00 AM Jan 08 2025
6.	TGL Printing Manager Balasubramanian Venkadachalam (L) shows Ambassador Chen newspaper printing processes.
Photo: Mary Kadoke
6. TGL Printing Manager Balasubramanian Venkadachalam (L) shows Ambassador Chen newspaper printing processes.

CHINESE embassy in Tanzania has commended The Guardian Limited (TGL) for its commitment to ethical journalism and balanced reporting during a courtesy visit to the company's headquarters in Dar es Salaam yesterday.

Chen Mingjian, Chinese Ambassador to Tanzania, made the remarks when she led the embassy’s team on an official visit to the media house.

The envoy noted that TGL has set a commendable example to promote accurate, fair and balanced reporting, which is essential in fostering development.

“The Guardian Limited has consistently provided professional coverage of China-Tanzania relations and broader international affairs. I applaud your fair and balanced reporting, which plays a crucial role in fostering mutual understanding and strengthening diplomatic ties between our countries,” she said.

The envoy also underscored the strong relationships between embassies and the media   to keep the public informed.

According to her, in a landmark decision that signals a new phase in China's trade strategy, President Xi Jinping last year announced imposition of zero tariff on a range of essential imports.

She added: “This bold move is expected to have significant implications for the global economy, particularly as China seeks to bolster its domestic market and foster greater economic cooperation with key partners including Tanzania.”

She also emphasised the depth of the partnership, citing Tanzania’s export of high-quality agricultural products like cashew and honey to China, as well as major infrastructure projects, including the Magufuli Bridge and infrastructure expansion at the Dar es Salaam port.

“China remains Tanzania’s largest trading partner, top investor and primary project contractor. These accomplishments exemplify our shared commitment to mutual benefit and progress,” she added.

Jackson Paulo, TGL Deputy General Manager, expressed his gratitude to the ambassador and her team, highlighting the importance of partnership and assured them the company's commitment to future cooperation and collaboration.

"We sincerely thank the ambassador and the team for the courtesy visit to The Guardian Limited. We deeply appreciate it and look forward to working together in a spirit of cooperation, strengthening our partnership in the future," he said.

Wallace Mauggo, The Guardian Newspaper Managing Editor, applauded China's significant infrastructural support to Tanzania, emphasising the vital role of the Tanzania-Zambia Railway Authority (TAZARA) in fostering economic growth and improving connectivity between the two nations.

"China's substantial infrastructural support has played a pivotal role in Tanzania's development, with the Tazara railway serving as a cornerstone of economic growth. This strategic partnership not only strengthens regional connectivity but also facilitates trade and mobility between Tanzania and Zambia, which is crucial for our collective prosperity," he noted.

This year marks the 60th anniversary of the China-Tanzania diplomatic cooperation. The achievements that were cemented by the founding fathers of the two nations, that is the late President Julius Nyerere and Mao Zedong.