Finland and Tanzania agreed on the form of their future cooperation on 30 January, in connection with the visit of Prime Minister Jyrki Katainen and Minister for International Development Pekka Haavisto.

According to Minister Haavisto, Tanzania has progressed a considerable way.

“Due to its extensive natural resources, excellent geographic position and favourable climate, the country has every chance of developing into a country with an average income level. However, it is necessary to bear in mind that the anticipated gas revenues will not be available for several years from now. Tanzania must exploit its natural resources in a sustainable manner with regard to both its environment and its people, and channel the ensuing revenue to benefit the whole nation equally. An important element in this will be the development of a well-functioning tax system,” Minister Haavisto said.

Development cooperation between Finland and Tanzania will focus on how to improve good governance and the availability of basic public services, promote the sustainable use of natural resources, especially in the forest sector, strengthen entrepreneurship in the fields of agriculture and forestry, and enhance the preconditions and capacity of the information society development.

One third of Finnish aid to Tanzania is in the form of direct budget support. During the visit, Minister Haavisto signed an agreement for the provision of general budget support from Finland to Tanzania. A cooperation programme on private forestry sector was also launched.

“Cooperation between Finland and Tanzania has continued for over 50 years – that is to say that Tanzania was one of our first cooperation partners in Africa. With the extensive natural gas discoveries, the Tanzanian economy is going through a significant transition. Finland is obviously interested in examining possibilities to participate in the responsible development of the Tanzanian natural resources sector. Our good relations and long-term cooperation will facilitate the building up of good trade relations. Tanzania, and the whole of East Africa, provide potential markets for Finnish industries – and even more so if the progress in regional integration continues,” Prime Minister Katainen said.

Prime Minister Katainen and Minister for International Development Haavisto visited Ethiopia and Tanzania accompanied with a delegation of representatives from more than twenty Finnish businesses. Ethiopia and Tanzania are Finland’s long-term development cooperation partners.

During the visit, the ministers had meetings with the countries’ highest political leadership, members of government and leading business representatives. The programme also included a meeting with the leaders of the African Union.

Finnish Government