LUSAKA, Jan. 11 (Xinhua) -- An Expert on Wednesday welcomed China's announcement to help revitalize the Tanzania-Zambia Railway (TAZARA), a joint venture between Zambia and Tanzania.
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, who visited Zambia on Jan. 8, said leaders of the three countries have already reached consensus on revitalizing and modernizing the railway built by China half a century ago.
Among components of the revitalization process will include a comprehensive reform of the railway firm's management system, creating better cohesion between the railroad and relevant ports as well as building industrial and economic zones along the railway.
"It's great news that China will give TAZARA a new lease of life. China is one of the world's greatest railway countries in the world. The Chinese government must be commended for being an all-weather friend of TAZARA and they should continue with the support," Trevor Simumba, an International Development Economist told Xinhua.
He agreed with the plans to bring in more investment within the railway line's development corridor, adding that there was vast land between the two countries along the rail line which needed to be developed.
According to him, the investment could be focused on agriculture, tourism, mining and industrial zones.
