Kochi, Kerala, January 21, 2024 - In a significant move towards bolstering Tanzania-India relations, Hon. Prof. Makame Mbarawa, Minister of Transport, Tanzania, embarked on a pivotal official visit to India, attending the prestigious Wings India 2024 from 18-21 January 2024 in Hyderabad. This visit not only highlighted the burgeoning cooperation between India and Tanzania in the sectors of civil aviation and maritime development but also set a cornerstone for future collaborations.
Wings India 2024: A Gateway to Aviation Innovations
Prof. Mbarawa's participation in the opening ceremony of Wings India 2024, an International Air Transport Expo, underscored Tanzania's keen interest in advancing its aviation sector. The Minister's exploration of the exhibition halls, engaging with the latest technologies and operational insights of the civil aviation industry, mirrored Tanzania's dedication to embracing global aviation advancements.
His meetings with key Indian aviation stakeholders, including GMR Aerospace and Industrial Park Company, spotlighted the collaborative spirit, focusing on the construction, development, and operation of airports in the public-private partnership (PPP) model. Such interactions are instrumental in fostering knowledge exchange and setting benchmarks for Tanzania's aviation infrastructure development.
Forging Partnerships: Talks with Indian Counterparts
A landmark meeting with Hon. Jyotiraditya Scindia, Minister of Civil Aviation, Republic of India, further cemented the friendly ties between the two nations. The discussions, brimming with mutual understanding and shared goals, culminated in an agreement to enhance capacity building in civil aviation. Noteworthy initiatives include the facilitation of temporary training in India for Tanzanian students in piloting and aircraft maintenance engineering, alongside training programs to share experiences in airport development and operations under the PPP model.
In a significant move towards updating aviation agreements to reflect contemporary needs, Prof. Mbarawa directed the Tanzania Civil Aviation Authority (TCAA) to review the Bilateral Aviation Safety Agreement (BASA) between India and Tanzania. This step is crucial in ensuring that the aviation frameworks of both nations are aligned with current and future requirements, ensuring safety, efficiency, and growth.
Expanding Maritime Collaboration: Visit to Cochin Shipyard Limited
The visit to Cochin Shipyard Limited in Kochi, Kerala, on 20 January 2024, symbolizes the expanding scope of cooperation beyond aviation. Following a memorandum of understanding (MoU) signed during Her Excellency President Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan's state visit to India in October 2023, this tour aimed at enhancing shipbuilding and repair infrastructure in Tanzania.
Minister Prof. Mbarawa, accompanied by a delegation including Mr. Hamza Saidi Johari (Director-General of TCAA), Mr. Benedict Hamis (Managing Director- MSCL), Mr. Jafari Ally (Private Assistant to the Minister), Eng. Vitus Mapunda (Naval Architect), Capt. Bembele S. Ng'wita and Dr. Kheri Omari Goloka (Minister Counselor, Tanzania High Commission, New Delhi), explored avenues for collaboration in developing Tanzania's maritime sector. The partnership between Cochin Shipyard, India's premier shipbuilder, and Marine Services Company Limited (MSCL) from Tanzania, is a testament to the commitment of both nations to advance maritime development and cooperation.
Hon. Prof. Makame Mbarawa's visit to India has laid a robust foundation for the future of aviation and maritime cooperation between Tanzania and India. Through strategic partnerships, knowledge exchange, and collaborative projects, both countries are poised to achieve significant milestones in their respective industries. This visit not only reinforces the strong bilateral relations but also paves the way for a prosperous future, benefiting both nations through technological, infrastructural, and skill development in the aviation and maritime sectors.
