CHINA, March 20 -- TANZANIA has stepped up a charm offensive to attract Chinese capital into textiles, agro processing and mineral beneficiation, as it seeks to accelerate industrialisation and reduce reliance on imports.

The Minister of State in the Presidents Office (Planning and Investment), Prof Kitila Mkumbo, used a trade and investment forum in Shanghai to pitch the country as a competitive manufacturing base and a gateway to regional markets.

Speaking at the Nantong– Tanzania Economic and Trade Exchange and Investment Promotion Conference on Wednesday, he urged Chinese manufacturers particularly in garments and textiles to establish operations in Tanzanias cottongrowing regions of Shinyanga, Simiyu and Mara.

The push comes...