JIANG YUNTAO TRACES CRJE ROOTS TO TAZARA CONSTRUCTION IN 1969 AT PHOENIX GLOBAL DEVELOPMENT FORUM IN DAR ES SALAAM

Yaliyomo humu (Habari, Matangazo na Maoni) si msimamo wa BMG Media. Mawasiliano +255 757 432 694 ama ripotabmg@gmail.com

By Jiang Yuntao, Chairman of CRJE (E.A) LTD and Chinese Enterprise Association (Tanzania)

Dar es Salaam

CRJE's story in Tanzania begins with the Tanzania–Zambia Railway (TAZARA) in 1969, Chairman Jiang Yuntao said at the Phoenix Global Development Forum in Dar es Salaam.

Speaking on 3 October 2026 at the Johari Rotana Hotel, where the Forum was co-organized by Phoenix TV and the Chinese Enterprises Association in Tanzania (CEAT), Jiang traced the company's journey from TAZARA to supporting DIRA 2050.

As Chair member of CEAT, CRJE (E.A) LTD was involved in the preparation of the event from start to finish. The forum brought together about 100 guests from government, business and academia to discuss how to seize new opportunities and pursue development together with Tanzania.

Guests of honor who gave opening remarks were Hon. Prof. Kitila Mkumbo, Minister of State, President's Office – Planning and Investment; Mr. Shigeki Komatsubara, UNDP Resident Representative in Tanzania; and H.E. Chen Mingjian, Ambassador of the People's Republic of China to Tanzania.

"From 1969, China Railway Construction Engineering Group (CRCEG), CRJE's mother company, dispatched 1,114 employees to take part in the construction of TAZARA, undertaking approximately 506,400 square meters of building works along the entire line — including 93 stations, two locomotive and rolling stock repair plants, a technical training school, depots and yards, hospitals, reception stations, canteens, offices and accommodation," Jiang said.

After TAZARA entered operation, CRCEG retained a small team responsible for maintenance works along the railway. In 2000, the CRCEG Tanzania Branch was formally registered in Dar es Salaam, and in 2013 was renamed as CRJE (E.A) LTD resulting from the expanding business.

"It is worth noting that Tanzania launched its Vision 2025 in 2000, the same year we were officially registered. The past 25 years have been 25 years of rapid development for Tanzania — and for CRJE as well," he said.

He said a new historical starting point came in July 2025 when H.E. President Samia Suluhu Hassan officially launched Tanzania's National Development Vision 2050, aiming to build Tanzania into "a prosperous, just, inclusive and self-reliant nation" by 2050 across four directions: economic and social development; talent development and people's wellbeing; environmental protection and sustainable development; and digital-driven development.

The Vision was reinforced in September 2025 when the TAZARA revitalization project was formally signed, and in November 2025 when China, Tanzania and Zambia jointly issued a statement on building the TAZARA Prosperity Belt, aimed at supporting development, unlocking regional potential, and creating a model of high-quality Belt and Road cooperation.

"For decades, CRJE has stayed committed to growing together with Tanzania. At this new historical starting point, CRJE will continue to leverage its strengths and work hand in hand with partners from all sectors in Tanzania to support the realization of DIRA 2050," Jiang said.

He outlined four commitments: consolidating socio-economic foundations through infrastructure covering housing, roads, airports, power, water, irrigation, ports and investment; focusing on quality of life and wellbeing; upholding green development; and introducing digital technology and smart construction.

He cited landmark projects including Kilimanjaro Hotel Dar es Salaam, Gran Melia Arusha and Park Hyatt Zanzibar; Nyerere Bridge ending ferry crossings between Kurasini and Kigamboni; Mtwara Port; Iringa Irrigation Project; Geita power lines; Terminal 1 VIP building delivered in just 75 days; Johari Rotana Hotel; Victoria Nobel Center and Peninsula Noble Center; Arusha Stadium for next year's AFCON; Kinondoni Composting Plant processing 50 tons per day; and participation in May's CHINA HIGH-TECH exhibition with TBM.

On people, he said local workers account for more than 90 per cent of project workforce, with mentor-apprentice training and last month's launch of the Chinese Workmanship for Tanzania Future Talent Development Program.

"Times change, our business sectors change, and projects change — but CRJE's original aspiration of developing hand in hand with Tanzania has never changed. We will continue to work hard and contribute all our strength to supporting the realization of DIRA 2050," Jiang concluded.