Russia, Tanzania spotlight chemicals, energy, pharmaceuticals - ministry

ST. PETERSBURG. May 13 (Interfax) - The bilateral trade turnover between Russia and Tanzania grew year-on-year in the first two months of 2025, with Russian exports to the African country increasing, Economic Development Minister Maxim Reshetnikov, who co-chairs the two country's intergovernmental commission for trade and economic cooperation, said.

"Right now our main objective is to diversify mutual trade. Tanzania's geographical location enables it to become a single window for Russian products entering the East African market," Reshetnikov said at the commission's plenary session in St. Petersburg on Tuesday.

The Tanzanian contingent of the commission at the talks is headed by Planning and Investment Minister Kitila Mkumbo.

At the meeting, the two countries discussed the prospects of stepping up cooperation between their veterinary and phytosanitary oversight authorities. More than 40 Russian companies are currently interested in exporting animal products to Tanzania.

There is also great potential for bilateral cooperation in the chemical industry, Reshetnikov said.

"Russian mineral fertilizer producers already make shipments to the Tanzanian market and are prepared to increase them. Tanzania currently imports more than 90% of fertilizer for the country's domestic needs from other countries. The overall need for all types of fertilizer is 700,000 tonnes per year," Reshetnikov said.

Russian businesses are also interested in Tanzania's pharmaceutical market, he said. Specifically, Russian companies plan to localize production of express tests and vaccines in Tanzania.

Tanzania, meanwhile, is interested in exporting gas, implementing joint projects in the area of hydrocarbon and natural gas production and exports, and joint construction of a coal-fired thermal power plant and solar farms.

In addition, the necessary permits have been received to implement a uranium mining project in Tanzania, Reshetnikov said.

The delegations also discussed cooperation on tourism, including the prospects of resuming direct flights between Russia and Tanzania. The two countries signed an intergovernmental agreement on air services in 2024, but it has not gone into effect yet.

Reshetnikov said Russia is prepared to send a delegation with business representatives to Tanzania in June-July to determine formats for cooperation.

"Our companies are prepared, as they say, to go in and work seriously and for the long term. Our companies are prepared to create facilities for the efficient transportation of Tanzanian products in conjunction with processing enterprises," the minister said.