Kathmandu, Nepal
Nepal and Tanzania can foster economic ties, including tourism and investment promotion, through "a two-tier cooperation model," which will encourage both official and private sector initiatives, according to Tanzanian Ambassador to Nepal John WH Kijazi.

Kijazi, who is based in New Delhi, was in Kathmandu to present his letter of credence to President Ram Baran Yadav last week.
In an interview with the Post, Kijazi outlined his plan to bolster bilateral diplomatic and economic ties between the two countries and offered some insights on diplomacy. 

"Government-to-government relations and ties between the private sectors are needed to promote tourism, businesses and other investment opportunities in both countries. Apex bodies of business community can tie up to promote businesses and investments," he said. 

Supported by the government, Tanzanian private sector is a success story, said the envoy. Tanzania, parched on the edge of east of Africa, offers a numbers of business opportunities to Nepal, particularly in tourism, agro-based and food processing industries. In 2009, some 29 Nepalis travelled to the east African nation as tourists.  

Preliminary studies show that agriculture is one sector where Tanzanian investments can come into Nepal.

Like Nepal, Tanzanian economy is heavily dependent on agriculture, which accounts for more than half of its GDP and employs around 75 percent of its workforce. The nation has many natural resources, including minerals, natural gas and tourism that contribute heavily to its economy. 

"Nepal's big commercial farmers can go to Tanzania to start businesses. Agro-based industries and agro processing plants can be set up. We have plenty of land and supportive policy too," said the envoy. "Tanzania has plenty of arable land, mostly famous for cotton cultivation, coffee, tea and various kinds of nuts." 

Another bright spot is tourism sector where both the nations have immense potentials. Nepal offers varieties of tourism products and Tanzania is home to the world-famous Kilimanjaro, the highest mountain in Africa. Dozens of dazzling beaches surrounding the Indian Ocean and renowned national parks like Serengeti and Ngorongoro are famous tourist destinations.

"Tanzania is famous for its history and culture. Nepalis can travel there and can take a tour and discover closely how the human civilization has evolved," said the envoy.  

The ambassador found that Nepal can export handicraft  and textile to Tanzania "where they can find very good and attractive markets." 

Come November, the ambassador is planning to visit Kathmandu and meet with the business community.

"We need to sit down to find out priority areas so that prospects for future cooperation can be guaranteed. We will discuss areas of cooperation that can be mutually beneficial," said Kijazi.