By way of strengthening by literal ties between Tanzania and the UK, Sir Simon McDonald, Permanent Under Secretary and Head of Her Majesty’s British Diplomatic Service is reportedly going on a visit to Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. This visit is timely and necessary as the United Kingdom is Tanzania’s number one foreign direct investor.
It is reported according to a press release as published by APO that: Sir Simon McDonald “During his 2 day visit, …will meet Tanzania’s Foreign Minister Dr Augustine Mahiga and the Permanent Secretary for Trade, Industry and Investment, Prof Mkenda to discuss bilateral issues, investment opportunities and how the UK can further partner with Tanzania.”
The report also added that the Diplomat “…will visit the Dar es Salaam port to see the port improvement program funded by the UK’s Department for International Development (DFID) through Trade Mark East Africa and the World Bank, and UK Border Force security assistance with UNODC”.
It is stated that Sir Simon’s visit to Dar es Salaam “is part of a regional tour to Rwanda, Uganda and Tanzania. The report noted that the Diplomat will meet representatives from the private sector including Ali Mufuruki, head of the Tanzania CEO Round Table, as well as academia and civil society.”
In addition, it is confirmed that Sir Simon McDonald “will also have the opportunity to listen to the views of some of Tanzania’s young people when he meets DFID’s Youth Panel, a group of young Tanzanian volunteers who advise DFID on policy.”
According to Sarah Cooke, British High Commissioner, who expressed delight, learning about the Diplomat’s trip. She noted that: “This is Sir Simon’s first visit to Tanzania and a chance for him to see, first hand, the strength of the UK/Tanzania partnership across a range of areas. I am delighted he is able to visit Tanzania at this time.”
