Chinese trade in Tanzania: Localized and organized
- By Pang Li
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E-mail China.org.cn, September 29, 2012
Sinohydro Corporation Ltd., a major player on the hydropower market, now employs more than 3,600 local workers in Tanzania. Shi Yong, chief representative of the company's Tanzania Office, commented that "Chinese companies which run projects in Tanzania should assume their responsibility towards the local society. I believe that it is an obligation for Chinese companies to provide jobs to local people or outsource their business to local companies," he said.
In Tanzania, the number of Chinese businessmen has surged from around 300 in 2002, to about 30,000 in 2012. With their growing presence in Tanzania, they are facing more intense conflicts with local entrepreneurs. In 2006, the struggle between Chinese and local businesspeople rose to new levels, with the latter calling for a reduction in Chinese businesses.
Under the abovementioned circumstances, successful Chinese businessman Zhu Jinfeng took the initiative to organize his peers and appeal to local authorities. By negotiating with the local government, they managed to establish a significant turnaround.
Realizing the importance of joined forces, the community of Chinese businessmen went on to establish the Chinese Business Chamber of Tanzania, under the leadership of Zhu.
Zhu said that thus far more than 1,000 Chinese businessmen have joined the organization. The business chamber serves as a rights protection organization and forms a communication channel with local authorities. By exchanging information during regular gatherings, Chinese businessmen have now solved and avoided many problems, he said.
Apart from that, the business chamber is also a self-disciplinary organization, according to Zhu. He explained how the organization is trying to make sure that Chinese businessmen sell quality commodities by constantly monitoring the market. Once counterfeits are discovered, they tell sellers to destroy the fake goods and make them promise to never sell this merchandise again.
In addition, Zhu said that his organization also tries to correct the manners of the local Chinese. For example, they told Chinese newcomers how to drive. Zhu said that once he told a topless Chinese man walking down the street to put his shirt back on. Through implementing these measures, Zhu said he is trying to maintain a good image of the Chinese community.
