Tanzanian FM urges stronger economic diplomacy

DAR ES SALAAM, March 24 (Xinhua) -- Tanzania's newly appointed foreign minister on Sunday urged the country's missions overseas to improve Economic diplomacy.

"Economic diplomacy should be given required priority in our missions abroad to boost our Economic growth," Minister for Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation Palamagamba Kabudi told the ministry's workers' council in the capital, Dodoma.

Kabudi was appointed by President John Magufuli on March 3 in a mini-reshuffle of the cabinet swapping ministers for foreign affairs, and legal and constitutional affairs.

Kabudi replaced Augustine Mahiga, who was appointed new minister for legal and constitutional affairs.

"Our missions abroad should give impetus to Economic diplomacy by promoting the country's investment opportunities, attracting more tourists to visit Tanzania and looking for markets for our agricultural products," he said.

Kabudi urged employees in the ministry to change their working mindset in order to compete in global diplomacy.

"The ministry should chart out new diplomatic strategies that will enable the country to resolve challenges facing the diplomacy docket," he said.

He also urged the ministry to start preparations for hosting the Southern African Development Community summit, scheduled for August.