US government has pledge to continue strengthening working ties with the Institute of Rural Development Planning (IRDP) to support the government’s various development programmes.

US Ambassador to Tanzania Michael Battle made the pledge at the weekend here when he visited the institute.

He expressed delight on the professional manner in which the institute has been hosting various programmes initiated by USA Embassy for empowering students with entrepreneurship and innovation skills.

"USA and Tanzania have a long history of relationships and success in many areas, including education," he said.

The US embassy and IRDP have maintained working relationship for seven consecutive years now, yielding what he termed remarkable results. 

"I am impressed after realizing that you always acted professionally and very committed to ensuring the project that the US embassy is introducing at your college fetches good results, especially the Academy for Women in Entrepreneurship," he said.

“I am here for encouraging and assuring you that we at the embassy will continue working with you in the implementation of more key programmes."

Chad Morris, cultural affairs officer, public affairs section at the embassy, said that they were very happy with the outcome of their work with IRDP. 

"IRDP very graciously hosted our academy for women entrepreneurship programme here; the programme has been designed to train local women on entrepreneurship and business development and planning. The programme managed to fetch fruitful outcomes," he said.

IRDP Rector Prof Hozen Mayaya said the development signalled positive future relationships between the institute and the US embassy. 

The don said that seven years of cooperation saw implementation of the Academy for Women in Entrepreneurship as well as hatching of Mipango Entrepreneurship and Innovation Centre.

Prof Mayaya said that they had a fruitful conversation with ambassador Battle meant to improve cooperation between the two parties. 

"We discussed possible ways through which the embassy can link our library with the clouds-connected ones in US universities," he said.