2009-09-21

DAR ES SALAAM, Sept. 21 (Xinhua) -- Tanzania will host the 2010 World Economic Forum on Africa which President Jakaya Kikwete says is an honor for the East African country, the local Daily News reported on Monday.

"It is an honor for Tanzania to host the 2010 World Economic Forum on Africa. We are looking forward to welcoming the community, which I am confident will continue to make important contributions in our collective quest for a better world," Kikwete was quoted assaying.

He noted that it is heartening to see the positive impact that the World Economic Forum has on key issues of global concern as the unique gathering regularly convenes a very diverse group of friends of the continent, who are united in their optimism of what Africa can, must and will achieve.

The gathering is scheduled to be held in Dar es Salaam from May5 to May 7, 2010, which makes Tanzania the first East African country to play its host, according to a statement released by the Swiss-based forum.

Andre Schneider, managing director of the World Economic Forum, said they are looking forward to holding the meeting in Tanzania at a time when the whole East Africa region is expected to experience stronger growth.

Katherine Tweedie, director and head of Africa at the World Economic Forum, placed the development in its historical context.

She termed 2010 as a special year for the community. "Not only will it be the 20th anniversary of the World Economic Forum on Africa, it is also the first time that the Forum's Africa meeting will be held in East Africa," she said.

The World Economic Forum on Africa takes place over three days and is renowned for its informal style that engenders frank and open discussions among the most influential leaders with a stake in the region.

The 2009 gathering was hosted in Cape Town by newly elected President Jacob Zuma of South Africa in June this year.

The World Economic Forum is an independent international organization committed to improving the state of the world by engaging leaders in partnerships to shape global, regional and industry agendas, the report noted.

xinhuanet