What an honour and a privilege of a newly arrived Swedish Ambassador to Tanzania, to participate in the celebration of Scania’s 30 years in Tanzania. It is an honour to be invited to this function tonight and a privilege to stand here in front of you all and share some reflections with you.
Tanzania and Sweden enjoy very good and close relations that go back to the times of Tanzanian Independence. These relations are multidimensional in the sense that they are not only at the official level – political, formal development cooperation – but also at a personal level. People coming to Tanzania feel very warmly received and many develop affection to the country and its people. I think this affection is one of the important driving forces behind some very interesting business developments here in Tanzania. I think the establishment and the gradual growth of Scania’s presence and importance here in Tanzania is a wonderful example of this. Of course the market potential was there, the risk analysis was made and the share of the market showed sufficient growth, but it was also individual enthusiasm, affection to Tanzania, commitment to the development of Tanzania that gave the extra energy to develop Scania Tanzania to what it is today.
As a representative of the Swedish Government and Swedish Development Cooperation in Tanzania, I am very pleased to note the progress Scania has made over the years. It has developed into an important partner in the development of the Transport Sector of Tanzania. Scania has a considerable share of the market of heavy trucks and buses. It has developed a good reputation of providing quality equipment and services based on the experience and knowledge of what is required and demanded in a country like Tanzania. The market share of Scania indicates a high customer satisfaction. Scania has also contributed to improved road safety by making sure that the vehicles are in good running conditions, that drivers are well trained in driving and managing heavy vehicles and that the service network reaches customers also outside the main cities.
I am convinced that Scania has a good but challenging future here in Tanzania. There are still many and will be even more roads to travel in this country. Transport needs normally increase faster than the economic growth indicates. And talking about roads – how about streets? I am sure many of us would welcome the development of an urban transport system that would make it easier and safer for people to move around in Dar es Salaam. I am sure that Scania with its international experience in this field could contribute to the development of an even more attractive Dar es Salaam. I would like to conclude this by wishing Scania Tanzania Ltd, its management and staff and all others who are associated to the company a very happy anniversary and another 30 years of successful development in Tanzania.
Thank you