CURRENT labour demand in Europe makes this an opportune moment for Finland to offer scholarships to Tanzanian youth in fields where there is high demand in that country, the government believes.

Ambassador Mahmoud Thabit Kombo, the Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation minister, made this affirmation in discussions with Elina Valtone, the Foreign Affairs minister for Finland along with deputy ministers Pasi Hellman and Jarno Syrjälä, taking up a wider range of issues on development, security and trade.

“Tanzania is ready to send young people to study in these areas, particularly in the health professions like nursing, to help fill the gaps in European countries,” he specified.

In his other remarks, the minister stressed the non-aligned character of its approach to fostering business cooperation and investment with friendly countries is vital for boosting the country’s economy.

Their discussions centred on international development and trade, each handled by a specific deputy minister, where the visiting minister assured his hosts that potential investors are welcome, as Tanzania is a safe destination for investments.

“We invite investors with genuine intentions to explore the many opportunities our country offers,” he said, underlining that the government has implemented significant reforms in the policy and legal framework.

This has contributed to enhancing the business environment and attracting investments from various parts of the world, he told the political consultation meeting in the Finnish capital.

He expressed gratitude to the Finnish government for its substantial assistance in forestry, information and communication technology (ICT), tax systems review, climate initiatives and education.

These contributions have positively impacted development efforts, he said, urging the host ministers to promote further investments by the country’s firms in Tanzania.

There are numerous untapped opportunities owing to limited capital generation locally as well as inadequate technology, he said, listing possible areas for Finnish cooperation including technology transfer, energy and crop value-adding industries.

Vocational education, gender equality, women’s rights and digital advancement initiatives are other areas where cooperation is feasible and positive, he stated.

Effectively addressing investment needs in these sectors could significantly increase job opportunities and help provide solutions to current employment challenges, he stated.

The discussion also encompassed global peace and security issues, with an emphasis on resolving conflicts through diplomatic channels, where the minister noted that Tanzania remains committed to participating in peacekeeping efforts.

He pointed at the role of President Samia Suluhu Hassan, chairing the politics, defence and security organ within the Southern Africa Development Community (SADC).

Factors contributing to conflicts in Africa include high unemployment rates among the youth who make up over 70 percent of the continent’s population, he asserted.

Developed countries need to support initiatives aimed at creating job opportunities for young people, as unresolved conflicts have repercussions beyond Africa and affect Europe as well, he added.