Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao said in Dar es Salaam Thursday that China will adopt more preferential measures to increase imports from Tanzania.

 

Wen said China will give more preferential treatment to imports from Tanzania in terms of import subsides and tariff reductions.

 

Wen made the remarks during his talks with Tanzanian President Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete Thursday afternoon. Wen is on an official visit to Tanzania, which is the sixth leg of his seven-nation Africa trip.

 

After the talks, Wen and Kikwete attended the signing ceremony of a series of agreements between the two countries, including the agreement of economic and technological cooperation.

 

During the talks, Wen said the Chinese government will encourage Chinese companies to make more investment in Tanzania and step up cooperation with Tanzania in such fields as infrastructures, resources development, agriculture and telecommunications.

 

China will also continue to provide assistance to Tanzania for its social and economic development, Wen said. China is ready to help Tanzania to build a showcase farming center and an anti-malaria demonstration center. China will explore the possibility of setting up a joint-venture factory of anti-malaria drugs with Tanzania.

 

Wen said China and Tanzania are all-weather friends. He expressed the wish that the two countries will further strengthen cooperation and communication on international affairs.

 

Wen also called for closer political ties and wider scope of bilateral cooperation in such fields as culture, education and tourism.

 

Wen said China has proved to be the true and trustworthy friend of Africa over the past half century. As China and Africa add more and more content to their relations, equality, mutual benefits and win-win remain the principles of China-Africa cooperation. Wen said the development of China will bring more assistance and make great contribution to the development of Africa.

 

While emphasizing the fraternal friendship between Tanzania and China, Kikwete said the people of Tanzania will never forget the long-term support and selfless assistance that China provided for Tanzania over the years. He said in the past, China used to help African people fight for national independence and liberation. Now, a growing China is helping African countries to deal with the challenges of globalization.

 

History has proved that China is the true friend of Tanzania and Africa, Kikwete said. The people of Tanzania and Africa will never buy the idea that China is a "threat."

 

Kikwete said the development of China means opportunities and expressed the belief that with China's support and assistance, Tanzania will be able to overcome difficulties and achieve progress.

 

Calling China a true friend, Kikwete said Tanzania attaches priority to enhancing friendly cooperation with China. The policy is a result both of the traditional friendship and natural requirement of future development of the country.

 

Kikwete vowed to strengthen political ties with China, saying Tanzania will as always stand firmly by the side of the Chinese people on such issues as Taiwan and Tibet.

 

Tanzania wishes to expand trade and economic cooperation with China and welcomes Chinese companies to invest in infrastructures and electricity industry of the country, Kikwete said.

 

(Xinhua News Agency June 23, 2006)