Zhang Hongming, a researcher on African studies at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, said the decision to select Tanzania as the first stop of Xi's African tour is "testimony to the traditional friendship", and the visit to the continent generally indicates the strong ties built over decades.

Kikwete said ahead of the visit that his country cherishes the relations as much as Beijing does.

"We are excited about the visit," he said.

"I wish that the great Chinese dream comes true," he told reporters in Chinese, referring to Xi's vision.

China is Tanzania's top trading partner, with $2.47 billion of goods last year, Chinese Ambassador Lu Youqing said on the eve of the visit.

Due to the sluggish global economy, Tanzania's exports generally have declined, but exports to China have maintained strong momentum, Lu said.

Charles Sanga, chairman of the Tanzanian Tourist Board, told the Guardian that Xi's visit to Tanzania represents what "China stands for: friendship, peace, stability, justice, equality and development".

He said China and Tanzania will reaffirm their longstanding relationship.

The paper quoted an opposition party leader as suggesting that Tanzania should also focus on industrial production.

Ibrahim Lipumba, chairman of the Civic United Front, said the cost of industrial production in China is increasing.

"It is important, therefore, that Tanzania should put in place its plans to increase employment opportunities for industrial production that moves from China," he said.

After Tanzania, Xi will visit South Africa, where he will also attend the 5th BRICS Summit, before flying to the Republic of Congo.