In brief
Tanzania’s delegation to the China International Import Expo, announced by Xinhua on November 1, 2026, aims to boost exports and explore new market opportunities. The 36 participating enterprises showcase agricultural products, and the event highlights China’s zero‑tariff preferences for African nations. The delegation reflects a coordinated effort to expand Tanzanian trade ties with China.
On Nov. 1, 2026, Xinhua reported that the Tanzanian government announced a delegation of 36 enterprises and government institutions to attend the ninth China International Import Expo (CIIE) in Shanghai, scheduled from Nov. 5 to 10. The delegation was introduced at a farewell ceremony organised by the Chinese Embassy in Dar es Salaam, where several exhibitors displayed coffee, tea and honey samples.
The delegation was framed by Tanzania’s Deputy Minister for Industry and Trade, Dennis Londo, who said the expo offered an important opportunity for Tanzanian businesses to showcase products, establish partnerships and attract investors from China and other international markets. He urged exhibitors to actively engage with potential buyers, understand Chinese market requirements and explore opportunities to increase exports of agricultural and value‑added goods.
Jonathan Nkwabi, Director of Trade Promotion at the Tanzania Trade Development Authority (TanTrade), explained that 36 enterprises from the public and private sectors had been mobilised for the country’s participation, reflecting a coordinated effort to promote Tanzanian products internationally. He highlighted TanTrade’s role in coordinating the delegation’s logistics and marketing strategy.
Chinese Ambassador to Tanzania, Chen Mingjian, emphasised that China’s zero‑tariff policy for African countries maintaining diplomatic relations creates new opportunities for Tanzanian exporters. She noted that China’s imports from Tanzania reached US$290 million in the first half of 2026, up 12 percent year‑on‑year, and that the first consignment of Tanzanian honey had entered the Chinese market through a dedicated green channel for African agricultural products.
Chen also mentioned that 15 categories of Tanzanian agricultural products have been granted access to the Chinese market and that 469 Tanzanian enterprises have registered to export agricultural and food products to China. She encouraged businesses attending the expo to use the platform to establish commercial partnerships and bring more high‑quality local products to Chinese consumers.
Cathy Wang, managing director of the East Africa Commercial and Logistics Center, said Tanzania’s participation grew from six enterprises in 2021 to 36 enterprises and institutions this year, reflecting growing interest among local businesses in the Chinese market. She added that her organisation was working with TanTrade to help exhibitors meet Chinese regulatory requirements and negotiate trade agreements.
While Xinhua’s coverage underscores the economic benefits of the delegation and highlights China’s supportive trade policies, it also frames the effort as part of Tanzania’s broader strategy to diversify export markets beyond traditional partners. The report does not provide comparative viewpoints from local media or opposition politicians, leaving the narrative focused on state‐led enthusiasm for the CIIE.
