One of the serious hindrances to economic co-operation between Russia and Tanzania is the lack of adequate information on the potential businesses that can be conducted for mutual benefit.

The holding of the Second Tanzania Investment Forum in Moscow at the World Trade Center is therefore aimed at removing the obstacle. It is thus an occasion whereby Business persons from both sides are expected to get informed and probably enter into meaningful business contracts.

The importance of this Forum has been underscored by the presence of one of Tanzania’s Senior Ministers, Hon. Basil Pesambili Mramba, the Minister of Trade and Industry, who will chair the event. The First Forum was held on the 30^th of May 2005 at the same venue and chaired by Hon. Juma Ngasongwa, then also Minister of Trade and Industry of Tanzania.

In the effort to bridge the gap between our two countries, Tanzania has so far since 2003 attended eleven Tourism Exhibitions in Moscow, participated in the Moscow World Food Exhibition (2004) and the Stone Moscow Expo in January this year. There have also been two Seminars on Tanzania Wildlife and Tourism Potentials in Moscow. All these are yielding dividends. We are now witnessing a higher flow of Russian Tourists to Tanzania and Business is rising between two countries, though still at a low ebb when compared to the existing potentials.

All participants are therefore invited to bring with them their projects for presentation to prospective partners. Members of the Press are also welcome without discrimination. We however expect more activities to follow after the one day Forum has ended. The Embassy will facilitate the follow up.

Welcome.