By Freddy Macha
The Citizen Correspondent, London.
A delegate to the third Diaspora conference has suggested that an independent centre be created to network and facilitate activities of foreign-based nationals.
Calling for the establishment of an organ that will help the government and other officials, the Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) chairman in Britain, Mr Ang’iela Owino, said such a centre would speed up the process of Diaspora business.
Earlier, Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation minister Bernard Membe, told delegates at the two-day meeting that dual citizenship for Tanzanians living abroad would help economic prosperity.
Mr Owino said an active and efficient centre would reduce bureaucracy and help the current slow process, which is being looked at by various government bodies such as the newly created Diaspora Engagement Department (MFAIC) under Ms Bertha Somi.
Giving an example of Ghana, which is said to benefit a lot from its foreign-based nationals, Mr Owino said the West African nation’s banking system handled transactions for Ghanaians sending money home.
“Western Union, which is used regularly by most, is too expensive,” he said.
Meanwhile, Tanzanians in the Diaspora have been urged to register themselves at our foreign stations.
The call was made by Tanzania’s ambassador to Britain, Mr Peter Kallaghe, during the Diaspora Three Conference in London on Friday. “If you asked me how many of our nationals live in the UK, I have no clue,” Mr Kallaghe confessed, insisting that knowing the right number of Tanzanians was crucial, particularly when businesspeople or investors asked for such information.
He also warned that it is essential every national make an effort and register either online or offline because of the expected national census next year.The estimated number of Tanzanians in the UK was put at 100,000 seven year ago. However, these were those who registered with the country’s High Commission in Britain.
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