AfricaPress-Tanzania: CCM Zanzibar presidential candidate Dr Hussein Mwinyi, yesterday promised to fully engage Diasporas in the development plans of the country if he wins the upcoming General Election, slated for October 28, 2020.
Dr Mwinyi met members of Diasporas at the Park Hyatt Hotel here in the Stone Town, and told them they’re vital partners and that it was important for every Zanzibari to be engaged in development plans, so that the Indian Ocean Isles can achieve her goals.
“Diasporas have been making important contributions for the growth of the country’s economy for a long time but there was room for them to do more. We need you in planning for economic reforms of the country,” he said, promising that if elected to form the eighth-phase government he will fully engage them.
The meeting was part of his ongoing campaign for the Isles top position in the October polls.
At least 500,000 eligible voters are expected to line-up to choose the next President of Zanzibar; to take over the post from the outgoing President Dr Ali Mohamed Shein, who will be retiring after serving his two terms of five years each.
Dr Mwinyi said the role of Diasporas in development strategies, poverty reduction and economic growth has been attracting considerable policy interest, and as the next president, if elected, his government will continue working closely with Diasporas.
He informed the Diasporas that both President John Magufuli and the outgoing Zanzibar President, Dr Shein recorded great achievements in economic growth during their tenure, but more is still needed to be done in partnership with Diasporas, including promoting investments.
“My government will further improve the environment for investment in the country so that both foreign investors and Diasporas are attracted to establish businesses in the country, which will also help in creating employment for the idle youth,” he said.
He wooed the Diasporas to invest at home and that the CCM party has been taking different measures to ensure sustainable economic growth for its people, and that the future is bright for all citizens.
Dr Mwinyi thanked the current administration under Dr Shein for effectively engaging Diaspora in the development of the country.
The presidential candidate said under Dr Shein’s leadership, the government had enacted Diasporas law, aiming at assuring them of security and their interest.
He reminded the Diasporas that there are still untapped resources in the country which include the blue economy as well as the Oil and Gas sector.
“These are areas where you can invest and reap the benefits from your investments as well as propelling the country’s economy,” he said.
Director in the Department of Relations and Coordination with Zanzibar Diasporas Ms Adila Hilal Vuai said at the meeting that the Diasporas have shown interest to work with the government in achieving economic and social development.
She said for the past several years, the Diasporas in Denmark, Oman, UK, German, Ethiopia, China, Canada and other countries have been contributing to the development of Zanzibar in education and health sectors.
“However, we have repeatedly complained against restrictions by local authorities in ‘land use and ownership,” she opened up.
Speaking on behalf of his colleagues in the Diaspora, Mr Mohammed Mansour commended Dr Mwinyi for sparing some time to meet them.
He said Diasporas remain committed to work with the government.
“We advise you to establish a ministry responsible for Diasporas to ease communication and collaboration,” he said.
