The Second Session of the Joint Commission for Cooperation between Tanzania and Vietnam commenced in Dar es Salaam on September 21, 2026. Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation, Dr. Samwel Shelukindo, inaugurated the meeting, emphasizing the significance of fortifying the long-standing friendly relations between the two nations. This session aims to explore opportunities for deepening economic, political, and social cooperation.
Dr. Shelukindo highlighted that relations between Tanzania and Vietnam have continued to grow and strengthen over the years, particularly in areas of mutual benefit such as trade and investment, agriculture, infrastructure, technology, communications, defense, and security. He expressed satisfaction with the recent growth in trade and investment between the two countries, citing an increase in trade from $248.4 million in 2020 to $368.2 million in 2025.
Vietnam has emerged as a significant market for Tanzanian products, being the world's second-largest buyer of Tanzanian cashew nuts and the third-largest buyer of Tanzanian cotton. This growing trade relationship has contributed to the strengthening of ties between the two nations. The meeting provides a platform for both countries to discuss ways to further enhance trade and investment.
The investment sector has also seen significant expansion, with Vietnam-based telecommunications company Halotel investing over $1 billion in Tanzania. This investment has led to the creation of more than 20,000 jobs and has a subscriber base of over 16 million. Such investments have contributed to the growth of Tanzania's economy and have fostered cooperation between the two countries.
The leader of the Vietnamese delegation, Deputy Director General of the International Cooperation Department in Vietnam's Ministry of Agriculture, Pham Ngoc Mau, expressed his country's commitment to strengthening relations with Tanzania. He stated that Vietnam is ready to work together to implement areas of agreement reached during the meeting, further solidifying cooperation between the two nations.
The Joint Commission meeting is scheduled to conclude on September 23, 2026, at the ministerial level. The session provides an opportunity for both countries to review progress, address challenges, and chart a new course for enhanced cooperation. The meeting is expected to yield positive outcomes, further cementing the ties between Tanzania and Vietnam.
The strengthening of ties between Tanzania and Vietnam is expected to have a positive impact on the economies of both countries. With Vietnam being a significant market for Tanzanian products, and Tanzanian natural resources being crucial for Vietnam's industries, the cooperation is likely to be mutually beneficial. As the meeting concludes, both nations are expected to reaffirm their commitment to cooperation and explore new avenues for collaboration.
Key points
- Tanzania and Vietnam have seen a significant increase in trade, with trade between the two countries growing from $248.4 million in 2020 to $368.2 million in 2025.
- Vietnam-based telecommunications company Halotel has invested over $1 billion in Tanzania, creating more than 20,000 jobs.
- The Joint Commission meeting aims to enhance cooperation in trade, investment, and other sectors, further solidifying the ties between Tanzania and Vietnam.
