Tanzania - Recent Storyline: Tanzanian businesses are ready to seize new export opportunities and connect directly with Chinese consumers at the 7th China International Import Expo (CIIE) in Shanghai. China's vast market of over one billion consumers has long attracted Tanzanian companies, an appeal further boosted by Chinese President Xi Jinping's recent pledge at the 2024 FOCAC Summit in Beijing to remove tariffs on goods from least developed countries (LDCs) with diplomatic ties to China, including 33 African nations. China, Tanzania's largest trading partner, is also the primary buyer of its sisal. Sisalana (T) Co., Ltd., a major Tanzanian sisal producer, is now working to meet the rising demand in China for this versatile fiber. With seven sisal decortication facilities and the largest spinning and weaving factory in East and Central Africa, the company is hoping to make its mark at this year's CIIE. The Tanzanian government has organized a delegation of 34 companies to present the nation's wide range of agricultural raw materials at this year's CIIE, aiming to strengthen Tanzania's competitive position in the global market. The CIIE offers Tanzanian companies a unique chance to engage directly with buyers, bypassing middlemen and enhancing profitability. Held annually at Shanghai's National Exhibition and Convention Center, the CIIE is the world's first national-level, import-themed expo. Since its first edition in 2018, the expo has become an important stage for spotlighting China's new development paradigm, a platform for high-level opening-up, and a global public good. This year's edition, themed "New Era, Shared Future," takes place from November 5 to 10 and includes participation from 152 countries, regions, and international organizations with 77 countries and international organizations featured in national exhibitions and nearly 3,500 exhibitors from 129 countries and regions showcased in business exhibitions. Shotlist: Tanzania - Recent: 1. Bales of sisal; 2. Various of Elizabeth Kalambo, CEO of Sisalana (T) Co., Ltd., major Tanzanian sisal producer, organizing products at office; 3. Various of workers processing, transferring, weighing sisal in factory 4. SOUNDBITE (Swahili, dubbed with English) Elizabeth Kalambo, CEO, Sisalana (T) Co., Ltd.: "There is significant potential ahead. We are optimistic that in just a few years, perhaps even this year, following our participation in the China International Import Expo, opportunities will arise, and we will attract valuable customers." 5. Entrepreneurs; 6. Various of Chinese exhibitors in discussion with Tanzanian visitor; 7. Various of workers processing sisal; 8. SOUNDBITE (Swahili, dubbed with English) Hussein Bashe, Tanzania's agriculture minister: "Tanzania produces locally, but we trade globally. So it's important to have platforms like these to showcase what we have." 9. Various of visitors, booths, Chinese exhibitors talking to Tanzanian visitors; 10. SOUNDBITE (Swahili, dubbed with English) Elizabeth Kalambo, CEO, Sisalana (T) Co., Ltd.: "If you stay in Tanzania and wait for customers to come to you, you may find yourself dealing with middlemen offering lower prices. It's far better to engage directly with customers, eliminate the middleman, and secure a better price." 11. Various of cotton field, farmers; cotton; 12. Aerial shot of cotton field. [Restrictions : No access Chinese mainland]