Tanzania and China argue about terms of $10bn port project
In 2013, Tanzania signed a deal with China's largest port operator to build a port and SEZ that aim to transform Tanzania into a regional trade hub
Dar es Salaam — A planned $10bn port project in Tanzania backed by China has hit an impasse, with the two sides disagreeing on terms of the infrastructure investment, a senior Tanzanian port official said on Wednesday. In 2013, Tanzania signed a framework agreement with China Merchants Holdings International, China's largest port operator, to build the port and a special economic zone that aims to transform the east African country into a regional trade and transport hub. "The conditions that they have given us are commercially unviable. We said no, let's meet halfway," Deusdedit Kakoko, director general of the state-run Tanzania Ports Authority (TPA), said. "It would have been a loss … they shouldn't treat us like schoolkids and act like our teachers." The Tanzanian government has officially written to the Chinese port operator on the disputed terms, Kakoko said. "We are waiting for them to begin new talks. When they are ready, we will resume the negotiations." China Merchants said...
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