Tanzanian President Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete, who is in Vietnam for an official visit, said his country can be a crucial gateway for Vietnamese businesses to make inroads into the 400-million market of Africa.

Speaking at a round-table business discussion in Hanoi on October 28, the president said Tanzania, one of the most popular destinations in East Africa for foreign investors, is ready to cooperate with foreign partners, including Vietnamese businesses.

He spoke in length about the advantages offered by his country, including developed infrastructure, one of the best economies in the region with an annual economic growth of 7 percent, political stability, a healthy business environment and good incentive and protection for foreign investors.

Vietnam and Tanzania can collaborate in a wide range of fields from the production of rice and coffee, fisheries, mining, pharmaceuticals to health and education, Vice Chairman of the Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI) Hoang Van Dung said.

Bilateral trade between Vietnam and Tanzania increased from 30-40 million USD in 2009 to 105 million USD last year and 59.7 million USD in the first half of 2014. Vietnam mainly exported rice and clinker to Tanzania while importing cotton, cashew nut and cattle-feed from this market.-VNA