Revival of factories like Tanzania-China Friendship Textile Company (FTC) is essential for Tanzania’s economic development, said Dr. Adelhelm Meru, permanent secretary in the Tanzania Ministry of Industries and Trade. He was speaking during the 50th anniversary exhibition of ‘Urafiki’ Friendship Textile Mill and 20th anniversary of FTC held in Dar es Salaam. FTC is a China-sponsored project in Tanzania. It is a joint venture company between Changzhou state owned Textile Assets Operation Company of China and the government of Tanzania. Welcoming Yan Li, China’s party secretary of Changzhou Municipal Committee, Dr Meru appreciated the Changzhou initiative to visit the textile company as Tanzania is entering a new phase of industrialization, Tanzanian media reported. Dr. Meru also commended the textile craftsmen from Changzhou for their dedicated service for a period of 20 years to both nations whilst facing all odds. Changzhou craftsmen have helped in the development of Tanzania by improving the situation in the textile industry and by creating employment opportunities for its citizens, said Dr. Meru. “Textile experts are regarded as role models of the friendship and cooperation between China and Tanzania,” said Dr. Meru adding that this project has far-reaching political, diplomatic and economic significance against the backdrop of booming bilateral ties between China and Tanzania.
