Bagamoyo Port has become a bone of contention again
Saudi Arabia has refuted recent reports that claimed the country was about to take over the Bagamoyo Port in the Coastal Region of Tanzania.
A statement from the Embassy of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in Tanzania clarified what it described to be misinformation regarding the alleged acquisition of Bagamoyo.
According to Saudi Arabia, the reports recently published by the Middle Eastern business portal, Argaam, are entirely baseless and misleading, intended to misrepresent the Kingdom’s diplomatic and economic engagement with Tanzania.
“Saudi Arabia and Tanzania share a historic and strong bilateral relationship based on mutual respect, cooperation, and shared aspirations for economic growth and development,” stated Yahya bin Ahmed Okeish the Saudi Ambassador to Dar-es-salaam, emphasizing that Saudi Arabia has not engaged in any negotiations or agreements to acquire Bagamoyo Port.
“Any such reports are speculative and should not be considered as credible information. The Kingdom remains committed to mutual engagement on investments in Tanzania in a transparent and lawful manner, always respecting Tanzania’s sovereignty and strategic interests.”
The statement insists that Saudi investments in Tanzania are focused on sustainable development and partnership-driven opportunities that align with the national interests of both nations.
According to the envoy, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia remains a trusted partner of Tanzania and looks forward to continuing its strong diplomatic and economic relations.
Meanwhile Tanzania also reports to be at various stages with the implementation of the Bagamoyo Special Economic Zone (BSEZ), which is one of the 17 flagship projects under the Five-Year Development Plan.
The Minister of State in the President’s Office, in-charge of Planning and Investment, Kitila Mkumbo said the BSEZ project includes, among other key initiatives, the development of Bagamoyo Port, Industrial Parks, an ICT Park, Free Trade Zones, and a Railway Station.
According to the Minister the implementation of the BSEZ will be carried out through a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) arrangement, with collaboration between the public and private sectors.
“While various investors, both local and international, have expressed interest in participating in different BSEZ projects, and are currently engaged in negotiations with respective Government entities, we wish to clarify that no formal commitment or contractual agreement has been made with any investor at this stage,” he said.
“Given the strategic importance of the Bagamoyo Special Economic Zone and its associated projects, the Government remains committed to ensuring transparency and keeping the public informed at every stage of the process.”