By Prosper Makene
Tanzania’s President Samia Suluhu Hassan hosted Rwanda’s Paul Kagame on Thursday at the State House in Dar es Salam during a state visit with both leaders promising growing mutual ties, increased trade, and other cooperation.
The two East African nations have always enjoyed a close bilateral relationship, leading the two countries to partner in various strategic sectors including business and investments, energy, transport, education and culture.
Addressing the media in Dar es Salaam, President Samia said that Tanzania will continue to improve business with Rwanda so as to raise the existing level of trade volume.
“According to the existing relationship between Tanzania and Rwanda, the current volume of trade is not compatible with the resources available in the two countries,” Samia told the media.
She further said that Tanzania is currently is working to strengthen the ports of Dar es Salaam and Tanga so that they can effectively provide proper services to Rwanda as well as other countries in the region.
On his part, President Kagame pointed out that Tanzania and Rwanda are working hard to make sure that cooperation, trade and their historical relations improve to strengthen the lives of their citizens.
Rwanda’s Head of State has also thanked President Samia for her leadership and dedicating time in finding solutions to the challenges that are facing countries in the East African region, including the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).
However, Paul Kagame is in Tanzania for a two-day state visit. This visit is a good sign towards strengthening the brotherly relations among the two countries for the betterment of both sides.
While in Tanzania, Kagame discussed different issues with Samia including trade, energy, infrastructure, defense and security as well as promoting and strengthening the relationship and cooperation of the two East African nations.
Tanzania and Rwanda on Bilateral Trade
In 2021, Tanzania exported $433M to Rwanda. The main products that Tanzania exported to Rwanda are Gold ($131M), Rice ($53.2M), and Cement ($30.6M). During the last 25 years the exports of Tanzania to Rwanda have increased at an annualized rate of 15.3%, from $12.3M in 1996 to $433M in 2021.
While, Rwanda in 2021 has exported $13.7M to Tanzania. The main products that Rwanda exported to Tanzania were Medical Instruments ($7.46M), Delivery Trucks ($928k), and Raw Iron Bars ($851k). During the last 25 years the exports of Rwanda to Tanzania have increased at an annualized rate of 23.8%, from $65.3k in 1996 to $13.7M in 2021.
