Beijing Review: Still the largest Chinese foreign aid project so far, the Tanzania-Zambia Railway has now been operating for 35 years. What is the current situation of this railway?

As a milestone in the history of Chinese selfless aid to Africa, the Tanzania-Zambia Railway is a key landmark. However, the current condition of the railway is not great largely because of aging equipment, personnel and an outdated management system. Along with the economic development of Tanzania and Zambia, cargo transportation demand has also been increasing rapidly. The Chinese Government will continue to support its operation to secure its role in the economic development of Tanzania and Zambia. Currently, China, Tanzania and Zambia are working together to explore measures to reform and revive the railway. I believe the Tanzania-Zambia Railway, which was dubbed "road of freedom" by some Africans as a symbol of China-Africa friendship, will increase its vitality.

Beijing Review: In future, what can we do to improve China-Tanzania economic and trade cooperation?

First of all, China and Tanzania should work closer to make sure cooperative measures formulated under the framework of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation will be accomplished, while pushing the bilateral economic relationship forward. The two countries should make their best efforts to enhance bilateral exchange and gradually level the current trade imbalance. The two countries should join hands to accelerate Chinese investment in Tanzania, and expand cooperation in various areas. Both countries should improve investment in the environment, which will provide an ideal platform for bilateral economic and trade cooperation.