中坦合作恰逢其时，互补性强，凭借丰富资源和巨大的市场潜力，坦桑尼亚完全有能力成为“海上丝绸之路”登陆东非的桥头堡
文I 吕友清中国驻坦桑尼亚大使 图片提供I 中国驻坦桑尼亚大使馆
坦桑尼亚需要中国，中国也需要坦桑尼亚。自2000年中非合作论坛机制成立以来，坦桑尼亚政府充分利用论坛提供的大量合作机会，促进坦建设和发展，成为论坛最大的受益者之一。坦桑尼亚永远都是中非合作论坛机制的最坚定参与者，是中国的好伙伴。
在2015年12月召开的中非合作论坛约翰内斯堡峰会上，习近平主席与非洲各国领导人一道将中非关系提升为全面战略合作伙伴关系，致力于做强和夯实政治上平等互信、经济上合作共赢、文化上交流互鉴、安全上守望相助和国际事务中团结协作“五大支柱”，以工业化、农业现代化、基础设施等领域为重点实施“十大合作计划”，规划了中非务实合作的宏伟蓝图，开启了中非关系新的历史篇章。
中坦友好源远流长
中坦两国友好合作可以一直追溯到上世纪60年代。当时，坦桑尼亚刚刚独立，急需发展本国经济，摆脱对西方势力的依赖。中国政府在自身还很困难的情况下，毅然决定援建坦赞铁路，先后运送了近100万吨的装备材料，派遣了5万名技术人员，更有64人献出了宝贵生命。这条由鲜血凝成的“自由之路”和“友谊之路”成为中坦关系、中非关系的丰碑。坦国父尼雷尔曾表示，坦有许多朋友，但最好的朋友是中国。
同样，坦桑尼亚也一直在涉及中方核心利益的重大问题上给予我们坚定支持。1971年中国得以成功恢复联合国合法席位，坦桑尼亚前总理、非统前秘书长、时任坦桑尼亚常驻联合国代表的萨利姆可谓厥功至伟。表决结果宣布后，萨利姆激动得带头跳起了非洲舞，这一刻定格成为珍贵的历史瞬间。此后多年，在中国加入世贸组织、申请2008年奥运会等众多场合中，坦桑尼亚的鼎力支持也发挥了重要作用。中坦之间患难与共的兄弟情谊为双边关系深入发展打下了坚实基础，是一笔不可多得的宝贵财富。
中坦合作硕果累累
进入新世纪以来，中坦友好合作不断取得新突破，成为中非友好合作的典范。两国高层往来频繁，2013年，习近平主席就任后首次出访就到了坦桑尼亚，与坦时任总统基奎特一致决定，将两国关系提升为互利共赢的全面合作伙伴关系，把中坦关系打造成风雨同舟、患难与共的友好典范；互利共赢、共同发展的合作典范；全面发展、共同进步的发展典范；促进世界和平、维护共同利益的国际合作典范。
中坦在各领域尤其经贸领域的合作实现了快速稳定增长，中国已成为坦桑尼亚最大的贸易伙伴和第二大投资来源国。截至2015年底，中坦经贸合作已经实现“4个50亿美元”的突破：中坦双边贸易额突破50亿美元，中国在坦直接投资额突破50亿美元，中坦正在建设之中的合作项目额突破50亿美元，中坦已经签约的合作项目协议投资额超过50亿美元。中国还累计向坦提供了20亿美元的优惠贷款，用以修建坦发展所急需的重大基础设施项目和可以帮助改善民生的发展项目。中坦友好合作受到坦政府和人民的高度赞誉。非洲知名独立调查机构《非洲晴雨表》在2015年初发布的民调显示，中国成为在坦最有影响力、最受民众喜爱和欢迎的国家。
“五大优势”潜力巨大
中坦合作方兴未艾。特别是随着我企业“走出去”步伐加快，坦桑尼亚在承接中国产能转移、吸引中国投资方面具有独特的比较优势，重要性更加突出。第一，地理位置十分重要。坦桑尼亚地处非洲东海岸中部，地缘优势明显，海岸线长达800公里以上，港口数量多，与赞比亚、乌干达等多个内陆国家接壤，是东非地区重要经济口岸；第二，政治社会相对稳定。坦为多党制国家，但政党关系常年稳定，执政党革命党实力强劲、连续执政已超过50年。坦桑尼亚有126个部族，基督教和伊斯兰教信徒各占人口的1/3，但坦从未发生过激烈宗教或部族冲突，是西方眼中的民主化样板国家；第三，国际地位重要。坦是著名的“前线国家”，曾为南部非洲的独立解放运动做出过巨大贡献。同时坦作为东非地区大国，也是东共体的重要支柱。在此基础上，坦与中美等域外大国关系长期友好，在国际舞台上享有独特地位；第四，自然、人力资源丰富。坦人均可享受一公顷的土地，全国劳动力数量超过2500万。坦矿产资源丰富，黄金、铜、镍等储量巨大。近一段时间，坦集中发现了大面积天然气资源，也为未来发展创造了有利条件。第五，坦经济持续稳定增长，GDP增速连续10年保持在7%以上，在非洲国家名列前茅，经济增长的内生动力充足。
“四大中心”辐射东非
在两国政府和人民的共同努力下，中坦友好合作已深入到坦社会经济发展的所有领域。展望未来，在中坦合作的有力推动下，坦桑尼亚完全有基础、有能力在国际和地区舞台上占据更重要的位置，将有机会发展成为东非地区的物流业、制造业、旅游业和通讯业4个中心。
一是东非地区的物流业中心。坦桑尼亚地理位置优越，地区辐射能力较强，是赞比亚等内陆国家与外界进行货物往来的重要通道。去年10月，由中国招商局、坦桑尼亚政府和阿曼主权基金三方合作的巴加莫约港和临港工业区项目正式奠基，建设工作正在快速推进。巴港建成后，坦桑尼亚的货物吞吐能力将得到进一步提升。同时，坦桑尼亚政府正不断升级改造全国交通网络，中国公司也一直优质优价地服务参与坦公路、铁路和航空运输的建设。随着坦桑尼亚港口吞吐能力的大幅提高，港口周围联通内陆各国交通走廊的不断健全，坦桑尼亚的物流运输能力必将迈上全新台阶。
二是东非地区的制造业中心。坦桑尼亚自然资源丰富，坦政府对加速工业化、增加出口产品附加值、实现“坦桑尼亚制造”抱有极高期待。为了帮助坦桑尼亚政府实现发展目标，我与坦产业产能合作也已全面铺开。目前，我在坦桑尼亚已初步建成“两线”“四园”为中心的工业聚集区。其中“两线”主要生产服装、鞋类、玻璃、塑料制品、建材、箱包等产品。“四园”则包括农业示范园、现代化工业园、巴加莫约港口和临港特区等大型综合性合作区。未来，坦桑尼亚将不仅有能力生产日常用品、建筑材料等进口替代类产品，还可以利用当地资源优势生产皮革、棉纺等高附加值出口产品，成为制造业大国。
三是东非地区的旅游业中心。坦桑尼亚有着丰富的文化和自然资源，非洲新7大奇观里坦桑尼亚一家独占3席，桑给巴尔岛更是世界闻名的度假胜地。坦桑尼亚建立了40个国家公园和动物保护区，38%的国土面积被划分为野生动物、海洋和森林保护区域，在全世界名列前茅。前不久，一家中国公司向坦文化部捐赠了一批平板电脑，这些电脑将被发放到坦桑尼亚全国各地的文化管理部门，帮助坦桑尼亚寻找、记录尚待发掘的文化宝藏。很多中国公司也看到了坦桑尼亚旅游业的巨大潜力，纷纷到坦桑尼亚投资酒店、宾馆等旅游基础设施。随着旅游接待能力的不断提高，坦桑尼亚将会迎来前所未有的游客高潮。
四是东非地区的通讯业中心。坦桑尼亚政府高度重视发展通讯产业，正在不断加大对这一领域的投入。坦桑尼亚通讯管理局刚刚公布的统计数据显示，坦桑尼亚手机注册用户数量已经达到3980万，占全国人口总数的90%，互联网用户数量也超过1700万，且仍在保持高速增长态势，信息通讯业潜力巨大。前不久，由中国公司帮助坦桑尼亚建设的全国ICT光纤骨干传输网络项目正式完工，项目实现覆盖坦桑尼亚全国主要城市和经济发达地区，并与周边6个国家连通国际电路，将坦桑尼亚打造成东非区域通讯枢纽。随着坦桑尼亚通信基础设施领域的不断完善，将有机会引领整个东非地区的通讯业发展。
深化合作前景广阔
中非合作论坛约堡峰会突出了“合作共赢、共同发展”的主题，为深化中坦、中非未来合作指明了方向。坦桑尼亚对加强中坦产业合作抱有极高期望，渴望通过中坦合作推动坦桑尼亚工业化快速发展，提振坦桑尼亚国民经济实力，摆脱对西方发达国家援助的依赖。当前，中国正处于经济转型期，一大批高水平的劳动密集型产业正在寻求对外合作，产业转移势不可挡。中坦合作恰逢其时，互补性强，凭借丰富资源和巨大的市场潜力，坦桑尼亚完全有能力成为“海上丝绸之路”登陆东非的桥头堡。通过充分利用坦桑尼亚的5大优势，结合中国企业自身的资金优势、技术优势和管理优势，中坦产能合作大有可为。
去年10月，坦桑尼亚顺利完成大选，革命党候选人马古富力当选坦第五任总统。新一届坦桑尼亚政府在“反腐、治懒、问责、惠民”方面特点突出，民意支持率超过90%。马古富力总统多次强调加强中坦两国合作对坦桑尼亚国家发展、民生改善的重要意义，号召坦桑尼亚各界继续坚持“向东看”。中坦合作可谓“大势所趋，民心所向，基础扎实，前景广阔”，将为双方经济发展注入源源不断的增长动力，为中坦关系全面发展描绘更加美好的蓝图！
吕友清 中国驻坦桑尼亚大使
●1963年11月出生，博士研究生毕业
●1982〜1984年，四川省乐山市沙湾区农机站干部
●1984〜1986年，四川省乐山市市中区政府干部
●1986〜1989年，四川省社会科学院研究生
●1989〜1991年，四川省政府研究室干事
●1991〜1992年，四川省洪雅县县长助理
●1992〜1995年，四川省政府研究室副处长
●1995〜1997年，四川省南充市齿轮厂副厂长、厂长
●1997〜2001年，四川省南充市副市长
●2001〜2003年，四川省泸州市副市长（2002年5〜11月期间任国家经贸委贸易市场局副局长）
●2003〜2011年，中国铝业公司副总经理
●2011年，驻美国大使馆公使
●2012年2月27日抵坦履新任中国驻坦桑尼亚大使
Promoting China-Tanzania Friendshipbuilding a model of Cooperation
By Lv Youqing，Chinese ambassadorto Tanzania Photo Provided by Chineseambassador to Tanzania
Tanzania needs China and China also needsTanzania. Since the establishment of the Sino- African Cooperation forummechanism in 2012, The Tanzanian government has made full use of the forum toprovide a lot of opportunities for cooperation, promoteTanzania’s constructionand development, becoming one of the forums biggest beneficiaries. Tanzania hasalways been the most solid participant of the Sino-African cooperation forummechanism and a good partner of china.
On the China-African cooperation forum heldin Johannesburg in December 2015, president Xi Jinping and different Africanleaders in unity discussed on how to enhance China –Africarelationsto become a comprehensive strategic cooperative relationship,committed to strengthening and consolidating political equity and mutual trust,economic win-win cooperation, cultural exchange and learning, mutual assistanceon security and and international affairs on unity and cooperation “fivepillars”, Industrialization, agricultural modernization, infrastructure andother fields that focus on the implementation of the “ ten co-operationplan", and drew out the Sino Africanpragmatic grand blueprint,opening a new historical chapter for China and Africa’s relationship.
China- Tanzania friendship dates back toancient times
Friendly cooperation between the twonations China and Tanzania can be traced back to the 60's of the last century.At that time, Tanzania had just become independent, urgently needed to developtheir own economy and get rid of its dependence on Western forces. The Chinesegovernment in its own difficult situation, resolutely decided to provideassistance for the construction of the Tanzania- Zambia railway, shipped nearly100 million tons of equipment material, dispatched 50000 technicians and 64people even sacrificed their precious lives.This “freedom trail” and “friendshiproad” cemented by blood became a basis for Sino Tanzanian relations, a monumentof the Sino-African relationship. Thefather of Tanzania Nyerere said, “Tanzania has many friends, but her bestfriend is China”.
Similarly, Tanzania has been involved onmajor issues concerning China's core interests to give us firm support. In1971, China could successfully restore its legitimate seat in the UnitedNations, the former president of Tanzania, the former OAU secretary general,the Tanzanian permanent representative of China to the United Nations, Salimmade great contributions to this feat. After the announcement of the results ofthe vote, Salim excitedly took the initiative and danced a sort of Africandance; this moment became known as a precious historical moment. After manyyears, in China's accession to the WTO, and when applying for the 2008 OlympicGames and other numerous occasions, Tanzania’s great effort and support alsoplayed an important role. China andTanzania’s shared weal and woes and brotherhood led their bilateral relationsto develop deeper, laying a solid foundation, a rare and valuable treasure.
The China and Tanzania Cooperation hasachieved great success and accomplishments
Since entering the new century, China-Tanzania friendly cooperation has continuously made new breakthroughs, becominga model for Sino-African friendly cooperation. There have been Frequenthigh-level exchanges between the two countries, in 2013, just after PresidentXi Jinping took office, he made his first visit to Tanzania, where alongsidethe Tanzanian President JakayaMrishoKikwete decided unanimously to enhancebilateral relations to a comprehensive and mutually beneficial and win-winpartnership, to build China -Tanzania relations to stand together through stormand stress, a model of friendship through thick and thin; a co-operation model of mutual benefit andcommon development; a model ofoverallgrowth and common improvement; promotion of world peace and aninternational co-operation model to protect common interests.
China and Tanzania in all fields especiallyin the field of economic and tradecooperation realized steady and rapid growthand China has become Tanzania's largest trading partner and the second largestsource of investment. As at the end of 2015, China-Tanzania economic and tradeco-operation had already achieved "four 50 billion U. S. dollar"breakthroughs: China – Tanzania bilateral trade volume exceeded $50 billion,China’s direct investment in Tanzania exceeded 50 billion US dollars, China-Tanzania current construction co-operative project amount breaks through $50billion and the already signed China- Tanzania cooperative project partnershipinvestment amount exceeds $50 billion.
China also offers Tanzania a total of 2billion dollars in preferential loans, to build Tanzania’s major infrastructureprojects needed for its development and to assist development projects for theimprovement of people's livelihood. The friendly cooperation between China andthe government has been highly praised by the government and the masses. In apoll published in early 2015 by the famous African independent research agency,"The African Barometer", China has become the most influential nationto Tanzania and the most popular and welcomed country.
“Five Advantages”, Great Potential
Sino-Tanzanian cooperation is still in theascendant. Especially with my nation’sindustry "going out" with a faster pace, Tanzania possesses theunique advantage to receive the transfer of china’s production capacity and toattract Chinese investment, making its importance even more prominent.
Firstly, its Geographical location is veryimportant. Tanzania is located in the central east coast of Africa, itsgeographical location has a distinct advantage, a coastline of over 800kilometers, a large number of ports, and shares borders with Zambia, Ugandaandother inland countries hence an important economic port in the eastAfricanregion.
Secondly, the political society isrelatively stable. Tanzania is a multi-party state, but the relationshipbetween political parties has been continuously stable, its ruling party CCM（Party of theRevolution）is strong and has continuously been in power for more than fiftyyears. Tanzania has 126 tribes, Christianity and Islam each account for onethird of the population’s religion, however there has never been violentreligious or tribal conflict. It is recognized by the west as amodel of ademocratic state.
Thirdly, its international status isimportant. Tanzania is a famous “frontline nation” who once made greatcontributions to the independence liberation movement in southern Africa. Also,Tanzania acts as a powerful country in East Africa and also an important pillarof the east. On this basis, Tanzania’srelationship with china, US and other foreign powers relations ensures itenjoys a unique position on the international stage.
Fourthly, there are rich natural and humanresources. Tanzania has one hectare of land per capita, and the overallworkforce is over 25 million. Tanzaniais rich in mineral resources, gold, copper, nickel and other reserves.Recently, Tanzania discovered a large area of natural gas resources and hascreated favorable conditions for its future development. Fifthly, Tanzania’seconomy has continued to grow steadily, GDP accelerating continuously for 10years and maintaining at above 7% which is among the best in African countries,an endogenous driving force for economic growth.
“Four Centers” radiating across East Africa
Under the joint efforts of the governmentsand citizens of the two countries, the friendly cooperation between China andTanzania has penetrated into all areas of social and economic development.Looking ahead into the future, under the impetus to push China- Tanzaniarelations forward, Tanzania in all aspects has the foundation, has the power onan international and regional stage to occupy a more important position, andhas the opportunity to develop to become the Center in the East African regionfor logistics, manufacturing, tourism and communication, these 4 greatIndustries.
First is the East African logistics center.Tanzania has a superior geographical location, a strong ability to radiateacross the region, and is important for Zambia, other inland countries and theoutside world for channeling goods. Last October, the China Merchants bureau,the Tanzanian government and Oman sovereign wealth fund tripartite cooperationBagamoyo Port and Portside Industrial Zone project’s foundation was officiallylaid and its construction work is rapidly advancing. After the Bagamoyo Port iscompleted, Tanzania’s cargo handling capacity will be further enhanced. At thesame time, the Tanzanian government is constantly upgrading the nationaltransportation network; Chinese companies have also ensured ample price andquality services for the construction of Tanzanian roads, railways and airtransport infrastructure. With theTanzanian port’s handling capacity increasingby large margins and the communication corridor with its neighboring inlandcountries becomes consistently sound, Tanzania’s logistics operational abilitywill definitely move to a new level.
Second is East Africa’s manufacturingCenter.Tanzania is a country with rich natural resources. Tanzanian governmentseeks to accelerate industrialization and increase exports with high addedvalue, and ultimately achieve the “Made in Tanzania” highly held expectation.In order to help the Tanzanian government to achieve development goals, ourcooperation with Tanzania‘s industrial production has been in full swing. Atpresent, I have already at the initial stage built "two lines" and"four parks" as the center of the industrial zone.Where the "twolines" mainly produce clothing, footwear, glass, plastic products,building materials, bags and other products, the "Four Parks"includethe agricultural demonstration park, a modern industrial park, Bagamoyoport and lingang industrial zone and other large comprehensive co-operationzones.In the Future, Tanzania will not only have the ability to manufacturedaily necessities, building materials and import substitution products, but canalso be able to make use of local resources advantage to produce leather,cotton and other high value export products, making it a major manufacturingpower.
Third is East Africa’s center of tourism.Tanzania has rich cultural and natural resources, and they exclusively possessthree of the new seven wonders of Africa. Zanzibar Island is a world-famous Resort. 40 national parks and animalprotection zones have been established in Tanzania, 38% of the land area isdivided into wild animal, marine and forest protection regions, ranking as oneof the best in the world.
Not long ago, a Chinese company donated abatch of tablet computers to the Tanzanian Ministry of culture. These computerswill be distributed to all the nation’s cultural administrative departments toassist Tanzania to find and record it’s yet to be unearthed culturaltreasures.Many Chinese companies also saw the great potential of tourism inTanzania and hurriedly entered into Tanzania to invest in hotels and othertourism infrastructure. With the tourist receptive capacity continuouslyimproving, Tanzania will usher in an unprecedented climax of tourist visitors.
Fourth is the communications center of EastAfrica. The Tanzanian government attaches great importance to the developmentof the communication industry, and are presently increasing investment in thisarea.Tanzania's Communications Management Bureau just released statistics whichshow that Tanzania’s registered mobile phone users has reached 39.8 million,accounting for 90% of the total population, the number of Internet users ismore than 17 million and still has still maintained a rapid growth.Itsinformation and communication industry has great potential.Not long ago, withChinese companies assistance to Tanzania on the construction of national ICTfiber optic backbone transmission network project seeing its officialcompletion, the project achieves coverage over Tanzania’s major cities andeconomically developed areas and with six neighboring countries connected on aninternational circuit, Tanzania will make the East Africa regionalcommunication hub. As Tanzania’s communication infrastructure continues toimprove, it will have the opportunity to lead the development of thecommunications industry in East Africa.
Deepen co-operation prospects
The Sino African Cooperation ForumJohannesburg Summit highlighted the "win-win cooperation and commondevelopment" theme for pointing out the direction for deepening SinoAfrican Cooperation in the future. Tanzania has high expectations forstrengthening China-Tanzania industrial cooperation, eager to promote the rapiddevelopment of its industrialization through the China-Tanzania cooperation,boost the strength of the national economy and to shake off its dependency onwestern developed countries.At present, China is in a period of economictransformation, a large number of high-level labor-intensive industries areseeking cooperation with foreign countries and the industry transformationcannot be stopped.The China-Tanzania co-operation’s perfect timeliness,complementarily strength, reliance on rich natural resources and huge marketpotential makes Tanzania fully capable of becoming known as the “Maritime Silkroad” registering it as the bridgehead of East Africa. By making full use ofTanzania’s five advantages combined with the advantages of funds from Chineseenterprises, technology advantage and management advantage, the China-Tanzaniancooperation on production capacity has a brilliant future.
Last year October, Tanzania successfullycompleted elections and the revolutionary party candidate John Magufuli waselected the fifth president of Tanzania. The new session of the Tanzaniangovernment has been outstanding in areas concerning anti corruption, lazygovernance, accountability and benefit to the masses”, with a public approvalrate surpassing 90%. The president has repeatedly stressed the significance ofstrengthening cooperation between the two countries, the significance ofimproving the livelihood of the people, and a call to those from all walks oflife to continue adhering to “look east”. The China- Tanzania co-operationwhich can be called “an irresistible trend, a common aspiration,a solidfoundation, a broad prospect”, will inject a steady stream of growth momentumfor the economic development of both parties, and will depict a betterblueprint for the comprehensive development of Sino-Tanzanian relations!
Lu Youqing Chinese ambassador to Tanzania
born in 1963, holding a Doctor Degree,married, has one daughter.
●1982~1984: Administrative Staff in the Agricultural MachineryStation in Leshan City, Sichuan Province, China;
●1984~1986: Administrative Staff in Shizhong District Government,Leshan City, Sichuan Province, China;
●1986~1989: Study at the Academy of Social Sciences of SichuanProvince, China;
●1989~1991:Staff Member in the Policy Planning and Research Office ofSichuan Provincial Government, China;
●1991~1992: Assistant Chief Executive of Hongya County, SichuanProvince, China;
●1992~1995:Deputy Director of the Policy Planning and Research Officeof Sichuan Provincial Government, China;
●1995~1997: Vice General Manager and later General Manager of theGear Factory of Nanchong City, Sichuan Province, China;
●1997~2001: Vice Mayor of Nanchong City, Sichuan Province, China;
●2001~2003:Vice Mayor of Luzhou City, Sichuan Province, China (Servedas Deputy Director of the Department of Trade and Market of the State Economicand Trade Commission from May 2002 to November 2002);
●2003~2011, Vice General Manager of CHINALCO (Aluminum Corporation ofChina) ;
●2011, Minister of the Chinese Embassy in the United States ofAmerica.
●2012~ , Ambassador of People's Republic of China to the UnitedRepublic of Tanzania.