Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan on Monday thanked Chinese enterprises for their contributions to the country’s development efforts aimed at benefiting its people.
Hassan made the remarks after presiding over the groundbreaking ceremony of the Chinese-built sixth section of the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR), connecting Tabora to Kigoma.
The project is being constructed by a joint venture of China Railway Construction Corporation (CRCC) and China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC).
Hassan underscored the vital role Chinese companies play in developing Tanzania’s transport and logistics infrastructure, while also highlighting the positive impact expected from the railway upon completion, including shortened travel times, reduced transport costs, and job creation.
“This project demonstrates our commitment to expanding modern transport infrastructure to open up trade, reduce costs and connect our people and businesses to domestic and international markets,” she said.
Transport Minister Makame Mbarawa said the SGR expansion is part of a broader strategy to integrate rail, ports and aviation, positioning Tanzania as a competitive regional logistics hub.
Zhang Junle, deputy general manager of CCECC, said Tanzania’s SGR is a core backbone project of the Central Development Corridor in East Africa. Upon completion, it will drive the coordinated development of industries such as agriculture, trade, and tourism along the line, injecting strong momentum into regional economic integration in East Africa.