Previously it used to be mostly the European Union, but now China is also moving in to donate motor vehicles to the Arusha-based, East African Community.
The wheels’ contributions from Beijing includes pick-up trucks and Omnibuses all produced by Sino manufacturers.
The People’s Republic of China has pledged to strengthen cooperation with the East African Community (EAC) in capacity building, trade, infrastructure development and other fields.
The Chinese envoy to Tanzania, Ambassador Chen Mingjian, said China as the world’s largest developing country was highly optimistic about promoting economic growth not just in East Africa but throughout Africa.
Ambassador Mingjian affirmed that China would remain a staunch and strong supporter of EAC on development matters and strengthen collaboration and solidarity with the Community for the mutual benefit of both parties.
The envoy said that the donation of vehicles worth USD 400,000 from the Chinese government would assist the EAC by capacity in organizing and coordinating meetings and events across the region.
Mingjian disclosed that China had also dispatched technicians and assorted motor vehicle spare parts to aid in the maintenance and operations of the vehicles, adding that the vehicles are from the most well-known Chinese automobile manufacturers including Zhongtong and JMC.
The eight vehicles were sent from the Chinese government; they include two mid-sized, one full-sized bus and five pick-up trucks.
“These vehicles are all from the most well-known automobile brands in China, like Zhongtong Bus, Jiangling Motors, with reliable quality and strong practicability,” said Amb. Mingjian.
Receiving the vehicles, the Director of Social Sectors at the EAC Secretariat, Dr Irene Isaka, thanked the Government of the People’s Republic of China for the generous donation noting that the handover was a demonstration of the excellent relations existing between China and the EAC.
“The friendly relations between China and EAC have continued to develop in depth, and pragmatic cooperation in various fields has achieved remarkable results. On an annual basis, the People’s Republic of China has been supporting EAC capacity building programs,” said Dr. Isaka.