Chinese VP for more investment in Tanzanian textile sector

30 Jun '14

2 min read

Li Yuanchao, Vice President of China, has pledged greater investment by Chinese entrepreneurs in Tanzanian textile industry, if it continues to maintain the progress, reports IPP media quoting The Guardian.

During his visit to Dar-es-Salaam last week, Mr. Yuanchao toured the Export Processing Zones Authority (EPZA) offices and the Chinese-owned Tanzania Tooku Garments Co. Ltd.

Mr. Yuanchao said continued improved performance by the textile sector in Tanzania will help attract increased Chinese investment in Tanzania, which would benefit both countries.

Tanzania Tooku Garments Co. Ltd. was established in 2011 in one of the EPZs in Dar-es-Salaam. The company is engaged in research and development, and production of apparel.

Commenting on the performance of Tanzania Tooku, M. Yuanchao said the industry is thriving which is a proof that Chinese investors are doing good job in Tanzania, and added that more Chinese investment and expertise and technology transfer is needed for increasing job opportunities in the African nation.

Tanzanian Minister of Industry and Trade Abdallah Kigoda said Tanzania Tooku already employs thousands of people and there are plans to expand the factory and absorb even more people.

At present, there are 522 projects coming up with Chinese investments to the tune of US$ 2.4 billion, which are together expected to generate employment opportunities for about 77,000 Tanzanians.

In Tanzania cotton is grown in 15 regions, divided into two zones—Western and Eastern. These two zones have different soil types and their rain distribution and cotton pests and diseases also differ.

In the Western zone—comprising of Geita, Kagera, Kigoma, Mara, Mwanza, Shinyanga, Simiyu, Singida and Tabora regions—the planting season beings in the middle of November and harvesting commences in June.

On the other hand, in the Eastern zone—which includes Coast, Iringa, Kilimanjaro, Manyara, Morogoro and Tanga—planting season starts in beginning of February and harvesting process launches in September.

For the ongoing cotton season 2014-15, Tanzania is expected to produce 250,000 tons. In 2012-13, Tanzanian farmers produced around 360,000 tons of cotton, about 57 percent more than 255,000 tons produced in 2011-12.

Fibre2fashion News Desk - India

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