Tuesday, October 8, 2013

Tanzania yashiriki Mkutano wa Kimataifa kuhusu Uchangiaji Maendeleo



Naibu Waziri wa Mambo ya Nje na Ushirikiano a Kimataifa, Mhe. Mahadhi J. Maalim (Mb.) akisikiliza kwa makini hotuba mbalimbali zilizokuwa zikitolewa na nchi mbalimbali wanachama wa Umoja wa Mataifa wakati wa Mkutano wa Kimataifa kuhusu kuchangia Maendeleo uliofanyika Mjini New York, Marekani tarehe 7 Oktoba, 2013. Wengine katika picha ni Mkurugenzi wa Idara ya Ushirikiano wa Kimataifa katika Wizara ya Mambo ya Nje na Ushirikiano wa Kimataifa, Balozi Celestine Mushy na Bw. Ali Mwadini, Katibu wa Naibu Waziri.
 

Mhe. Maalim akitoa hotuba kwa niaba ya Serikali ya Tanzania wakati wa Mkutano wa Kimataifa kuhusu Kuchangia Maendeleo (Financing for Development) uliofanyika Mjini New York, Marekani tarehe 7 Oktoba, 2013. Katika hotuba yake Mhe. Maalim alisema kuwa Tanzania inaendelea kupiga hatua katika maendeleo ikiwa ni pamoja na kuongeza jitihada katika ukusanyaji kodi na kuzingatia utawala wa sheria, kuheshimu haki za binadamu na utawala bora.

Mhe. Maalim akiendelea kutoa hotuba yake huku Kaimu Rais wa Kikao cha 68 cha Baraza Kuu la Umoja wa Mataifa (kushoto) na Msaidizi wake wakisikiliza.
 
Balozi Mushy, Bw. Mwadini pamoja na Bw. Noel Kaganda, Afisa katika Ubalozi wa Tanzania, New York wakifuatilia hotuba hiyo kwa makini.





STATEMENT BY H.E. MAHADHI J. MAALIM (MP), DEPUTY MINISTER FOR FOREIGN AFFAIRS AND INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION OF THE UNITED REPUBLIC OF TANZANIA TO THE UNITED NATIONS DURING THE SIXTH HIGH-LEVEL DIALOGUE ON FINANCING FOR DEVELOPMENT,
7 OCTOBER 2013

 

Theme:The Monterrey Consensus, Doha Declaration on Financing for Development and related outcomes of major United Nations conferences and summits: status of implementation and tasks ahead”

 

Mr. President,

Distinguished delegates,

Ladies and Gentlemen.

 
We welcome the convening of this important dialogue on financing for development and thank both the PGA and the Secretary General for their introductory remarks on this subject.

My delegation aligns this statement with the statements delivered by the Distinguished Delegates of Fiji, Benin and Ethiopia speaking on behalf of the G77 and China, Least Developed Countries (LDCs) and the African Group, respectively.

Mr. President,

This high-level dialogue is taking place while the UN and the entire world is focussing its attention on two important processes: accelerating progress for achieving the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) within the remaining period of less than 800 days to the 2015 deadline, and discussions on the post-2015 development agenda. We wish to underscore that the most important common denominator in the achievement of the current MDGs and any future development agenda is the means of implementation particularly financial resources and technology.

We note and commend efforts at both national and international levels in mobilizing resources for financing for development. Goal 8 of the MDGs was basically to facilitate creation of global partnerships in mobilizing resources for development. It was clear that through the reform of global trade and financial architectures further mobilization of financial resources could be secured. Over 43 years, we have had the ODA target of 0.7% of GNI of developed countries. To-date, only five countries have achieved and/or surpassed this target.

The Monterrey Consensus which came into being soon after the adoption of MDGs reaffirmed this target and apportioned responsibilities to both national governments and international community on resources mobilization. Among other things,  developed countries were urged to make concrete efforts towards the target of 0.70 per cent of their GNP as ODA to developing countries and 0.15 to 0.20 per cent of their GNP to least developed countries (LDCs). This undertaking was reinforced in various international conferences, including the Fourth United Nations Conference on Least Developed Countries, held in Istanbul in May 2011 and recently by the Rio +20 Conference.

Both the Monterrey Consensus and Doha Declaration on Financing for development underscore the importance of domestic resources mobilization in achieving economic growth, poverty eradication and sustainable development. They also stress in this regard the value of national ownership and leadership in developing policies and strategies that included financing, good governance and accountability.

Mr. President,

Many developing countries have taken bold initiatives to mobilize resources domestically. Most have established ambitious national development strategies for the eradication of poverty and achievement of sustainable development. They have established policies and regulatory frameworks which have facilitated conducive environment for attracting both domestic and foreign investments. Moreover, there have been deliberate actions to strengthen good governance, rule of law, human rights and democratic institutions. As a result of these efforts, the economies of developing countries are growing steadily. This is justified by the fact that, out of 10 global fastest growing economies, 6 are from Africa.

Despite these efforts, domestic resources have proved to be insufficient in themselves; hence the continued relevance of international resources mobilization for development, especially private international capital flows in terms of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI). The Rio +20 outcome document, entitled “The future we want” cannot be more lucid in this regard.

The United Republic of Tanzania is making satisfactory progress in this regard, with a steady broadening of its tax base, whereby from July 2011 to March 2012 the tax revenue collection amounted to Tshs 4,765.5 billion which is equivalent to around USD 3 billion. Likewise, the Government continues with the implementation of the National Economic Empowerment Policy (2004) by extending soft loan-terms through 20 empowerment funds, with particular emphasis on farmers, women and young entrepreneurs.

Moreover, the implementation of the National Micro-finance Policy (2001) is also underway with millions of Tanzanians gaining access to financial services through banks, Savings and Credit Cooperative Organizations (SACCOS); and community based organizations (CBOs). Micro-finance services through mobile phone operators have given millions of Tanzanians further access to such services.

We have put in place favourable investment climate including the enactment of Public Private Partnership Act (2010) and the designation of the Tanzania Investment Centre (TIC) as well as the Zanzibar Investment Promotion Authority (ZIPA) as “one stop centres” for prospective investors. We are putting in place mechanisms for speeding up the time for setting up a business so as to attract more businesses and investment in the country.

Despite the challenges in investment, which in Africa is largely focused on extractive industry, we are witnessing increasing investment in other sectors such as agriculture, energy, transport and telecommunication, health and education. Indeed, my Government has identified some of these sectors as the key drivers of development which under Big Result Now Initiative will accelerate progress in achieving the Five Year Development Plan (2011/2012 – 2015/2016) as well as the Vision 2025 thus transforming Tanzania to a middle income country. We believe that investments in areas such as agriculture, through sustainable partnership, can uplift thousands out of poverty while ensuring food security and nutrition for Tanzania and its neighbours. Initiatives such as the Southern Agricultural Growth Corridor of Tanzania (SAGCOT) are a step in the right direction for my country. 

Mr. President,

I have highlighted just few of the issues raised in the Monterrey Consensus and Doha Declaration on financing for Development. Indeed, the rest of the issues, namely international trade; international financial and technical cooperation for development; external debt; and systemic issues also deserve our undivided attention. We trust ample time will be provided to address these issues, including those relevant to the WTO Ministerial Conference to be held in Bali in December 2013, which we hope will provide a way out of the current impasse on the Doha Round of multilateral trade negotiations.

Tanzania will unrelentingly continue to render its voice on this important subject.

I thank you for your kind attention.

 

 





 

Monday, October 7, 2013

President Kikwete bids farewell to the US Ambassador


H.E. Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete, President of the United Republic of Tanzania escorted out H.E. Alfonso E. Lenhardt, Ambassador of the United States of America in Tanzania who has just completed his four years tenure.  The President bids farewell to the Ambassador earlier today at the State House.  (photo by the State House)

President Kikwete (2nd left) and Ambassador Lenhardt in a photo together with First Lady Mama Salma Kikwete (right) and Madam Lenhardt.  (photo by the State House) 


President Kikwete bids farewell to the US Ambassador

By TAGIE DAISY MWAKAWAGO  

President Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete has said that the diplomatic ties between Tanzania and the United States have grown stronger for the past few years due to the outstanding leadership of the outgoing US Ambassador Alfonso E. Lenhardt.

“It is my utmost hope that your predecessor will further strengthening the strong foundation of bilateral ties that exist between our two countries,” President Kikwete told Ambassador Lenhardt.  According to the Press Statement issued by Ms. Premi Kibanga, President's Assistant (Press), Ambassador Lenhardt had paid a courtesy visit to the President at the State House earlier today, to bid farewell after ending his four years tenure. 

On his part, the US Ambassador said that Tanzania has captured his heart and will continue to be so in his future endeavors.  “I thank your Government for your cooperation and ever readiness to assist when needed.  I want to assure you that in my heart, I will forever be the Ambassador of Tanzania,” said Ambassador Lenhardt.

Ambassador Lenhardt has served as the US Ambassador to the United Republic of Tanzania for the past four-years, to which his tenure has ended with an historical visit of the US President Barack Obama in July 2013.  

Hon. Deputy Minister Maalim shares a moment with US Ambassador Lenhardt during a farewell luncheon. (photo file - pic by Tagie Daisy Mwakawago) 
  
Recently the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Co-operation also took time to bid farewell to the US Ambassador.  

Hosting the occasion was the Deputy Minister Mahadhi Juma Maalim (MP), with participation from the Dean of the Diplomatic Corps, Ambassador Juma Alfan Mpango who is also the Ambassador of the Democratic Republic of Congo, the Head of the Delegation of the European Union, Mr Filiberto Ceriani Sebregondi and other members of diplomatic corps in the country.


During his opening remarks, Hon. Maalim said that Ambassador Lenhardt has been a colleague and a dear friend of Tanzania, and that bidding farewell brings mixed emotions of sadness and of satisfaction.

“Satisfaction comes from having a diplomat of your caliber, Ambassador Lenhardt, and we are here to celebrate a job well done for stewarding the partnership of these two countries,” said Deputy Minister, adding that Tanzania will forever remained indebted for his service.

Hon. Maalim also highlighted the tireless efforts that prompted high level visits in the country that included the US President Barack Obama, the former US Presidents Bill Clinton and George W. Bush, and former US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and others.   “The visits created a momentum that is more substance to the existing ties,” said the Deputy Minister, adding that the predecessor will equally receive support and cooperation whilst in Tanzania.

He further noted that the Government of Tanzania will continue to work closely with the Government of the United States to ensure that economic cooperation is given priority to further strive and cement the existing ties.

“The two countries have been molding and nurturing excellent diplomatic relations for years, and we take pride of the fraternity bond established beyond political and economic cooperation,” said Deputy Minister Maalim.   

Ambassador Lenhardt has been a champion of awarding grants since 2009 upon his arrival in the country and continuously to September 2013.   Since 2009, the grants given by the US Government totaled over Tsh 300 million and have had a positive impact to the communities concerned from various regions such as Dar es Salaam, Geita, Iringa, Kigoma, Mbeya, Shinyanga, Rukwa, Zanzibar, Kilimanjaro and Mwanza.

On his part, Ambassador Lenhardt thanked the Government of Tanzania for its undying support and dedication whenever needed.  “I have had the best four years of service here in Tanzania,” said Ambassador Lenhardt, promising to visit back in the near future.

To the latter, the Deputy Minister also extended his invitation to the Ambassador and Madam Lenhardt, welcoming them back to the shores of Tanzania before too long.

Tanzania has enjoyed a great partnership from the United States of America in various development ventures that include education, health, agriculture, trade and investment, and many others.   The US support also extends through programmes such as Millennium Challenge Corporation-1 (MCC 1), the US President’s Emergency Programme for AIDS Relieve (PEPFAR), Feed the Future and many others.


 End.



Happy 63rd Birthday President Kikwete!




Thank you all for the birthday wishes.