TANZANIA and the Czech Republic intend to enhance diplomatic and economic relations, focused on investment, tourism, transport, health and education.

Mahmoud Thabit Kombo, the Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation minister, made mention of this agreement at a joint press conference in the Czech capital over the weekend, with Jan Lipavský, the host Foreign minister.

He said diplomatic ties between the two countries date back to the 1960s, while there is need to modernise these ties to address current economic challenges and opportunities.

During his three-day working visit, the minister cited investment, trade, tourism, infrastructure, energy, health and education as key focus areas, tied to creating an enabling environment for the private sector.

This is crucial for stimulating investment and overcoming trade barriers, he said, noting that the two sides had agreed to expedite the signing of an air services agreement to start direct flights between them.

This will enhance tourism, a vital revenue stream for Tanzania particularly as the number of Czech tourists visiting the country steadily grows, he said, highlighting that the Czech Republic has already made significant investments in the Zanzibar tourism sector.

The two sides also expect to finalise am agreement for avoidance of double taxation, while efforts are underway to resolve remaining issues before the signing in the new few months, he stated/

The minister reassured potential Czech investors of the country’s political stability, breath of natural resources and strategic location, making it opportune to explore investment opportunities in the country.

Czech-Tanzanian partnership was visible with Airplanes Africa Ltd, setting up an assembly plant for Skyleader-600 aircraft in Morogoro, he said, describing this investment as an example of growing economic ties 

The plant as the potential to significantly enhance the local tourism sector by cheaper provision of aircraft capable of accessing remote national parks and reserves, he stated.

Greater Czech involvement in the transport sector is expected, especially in taking up portions of the development and operation of the standard gauge railway (SGR).

He appealed for enhanced participation in the country’s ambitious railway projects instead of relying on third-party contractors to supply equipment.

The visit is part of a broader strategy to engage with various countries in the context of economic diplomacy where the minister visited various companies during the visit.

Engaging with prominent business leaders had elicited interest in investing in Tanzania’s rapidly expanding market, he added.