On 27th January 2024, H.E. Ambassador Baraka Luvanda participated at the 155th Talk Salon which took place at Ryokuen-toshi, Yokohama City, Kanagawa. The event was co-organized by the Embassy and the Ryokuentoshi Community Association (RCA) for the purpose of introducing the charms of Tanzania to members of RCA. The event was also attended by Mr. Shinichi Goto, the former Ambassador of Japan to Tanzania who actively participated by sharing his personal experience while living and working in Tanzania as Ambassador. About 30 residents attended the event, listened to speeches and lectures, and watched the selected part of “Tanzania – The Royal Tour”, which deepened their understanding of Tanzania.
In his opening remarks, Ambassador Luvanda expressed his gratitude to RCA and Mr. Fuminobu Negishi in particular, for organizing such event that brings together their members to share a joyous moment together and exchange ideas and information about a participating Country. He also highlighted that, in a world that is overwhelmed with global challenges from political, socio-economic, environmental crises, natural disasters, to global pandemics, man-made disasters and others, a platform such as the Talk Salon becomes necessary in finding answers to various questions that may come to mind. He further explained that the event was meant to provide the participants with the opportunity to learn about Tanzania, in general (geography, history, population, culture, the food, tourist attractions, sports, etc.).
Ambassador Luvanda further explained that, he came up with an idea of inviting Mr. Shinichi Goto the former Ambassador of Japan to Tanzania and, a friend to make the forum more interesting. He thanked Mr. Goto for sparing his precious time to participate in the event.
Through his speech, among other things he introduced to participants a famous and most liked Tanzania tourism documentary filmed by the President of Tanzania, Her Excellency Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan coined as “Tanzania - The Royal Tour” which is also available in Japanese language. He further underscored the relations between Japan and Africa, generally, and between Japan and Tanzania have lived up to the spiritual exhortations of Buddha and that, Japan and Tanzania continue to see eye to eye in a variety of ways at both bilateral and multilateral level.
Ambassador Luvanda concluded his remarks by welcoming all participants to visit Tanzania, the land of natural wonders and unforgettable experiences such as; the climbing of Mount Kilimanjaro, the highest mountain in Africa and the highest free-standing mountain in the world (its height is 5,895 meters above sea level); touring in the largest Serengeti National Park and in the volcanic crater at Ngorongoro; as well as relaxing on Zanzibar's finest beaches, the destination that can be visited by anybody, at any time of the year and, at any budget with full range of leisure options. He further noted that Tanzania boasts of being a stunning country with welcoming, friendly people and an ideal environment, making it appropriate for travel-related adventures and for subsequent investment, he added. He finally invited participants to pay attention to a detailed presentation by Mr. Kazuma Shirai from the Embassy about Tanzania and finally ask questions at the end.
On his part, Ambassador Goto explained in details the situation of Tanzania through his experience in various sectors such as political, social-economic, tourism, health, and others. He explained the history of Tanganyika from its long relationship with India and Arab regions until her independence in 1961, and later united with Zanzibar to form Tanzania. Furthermore, he provided detailed explanations on the reasons and benefits of investing in Tanzania, such as the country's strategic location, political stability, abundant natural resources, a large and growing consumer market, a significant number of labor force, and a friendly investment climate. Mr. Goto concluded his remarks by pointing out that industries such as mining, telecommunication, transport and construction are growing steadily due to the role of economic diplomacy, among others.
Overall, after the two speeches and in detailed presentation by Mr. Kazuma Shirai, participants had a very brief Q&A session, which deepened further their understanding about Tanzania.
