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France set to increase assistance to Tanzania
2006-05-17 09:41:05
By Guardian Reporter
France and Tanzania will sign an development assistance accord that will stretch over a period five years, in four key sectors.
A State House press statement issued in Dar es Salaam yesterday says France has expressed commitment to support Tanzania’s education, tourism, water and the production sector.
The planned accord was at the centre of talks between President Jakaya Kikwete and the French Secretary of International Development, Brigitte Girardin yesterday in Paris.
However, the date for the signing of the agreement is yet to be set.
President Kikwete was in a two-day official visit of France, being part of his foreign tour that also took him to the neighbouring of Uganda and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). From Paris, the President is due to fly to the United States.
’The French Secretary for International Development also told President Kikwete that Tanzania is free to suggest other areas of cooperation , ’reads the statement, in part.
To set the ball rolling, President Kikwete has directed the ministries of Planning, Economy and Empowerment and that of Finance to start following up on France’s offer.
According to the statement, France has put Tanzania on the list of countries enjoying first priority in financing development projects on the African continent
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The French Secretary said Tanzania is unique as she stands out with a good track record of peaceful leadership change, respecting the time limit, as specified in the constitution.
The statement adds that Tanzania has outstanding record in good governance which has given her an edge over other countries in the Great Lakes region.
Girardin commended Kikwete’s government in its contribution at the United Nations (UN)’s Security Council and applauded the country for being effective and fair.
The French Secretary for International Development hailed Tanzania for not taking sides in the Dafur conflict, .
The State House press statement also quotes President Kikwete as thanking France for her generous support to Tanzania, particularly the country’s debt that was waived in 2003.
Kikwete says the move has helped Tanzania implement various development projects that basically aimed at relieving the poor majority of abject poverty.
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