China Library opens at Tanzania's National Central Library

Chinese government donated computers and publications concerning China at the opening ceremony of China Library at Tanzania's National Central Library on Monday, in an effort to deepen Tanzanian people's understanding of the Asian giant.

Chinese Ambassador to Tanzania Lu Youqing said at the ceremony that culture exchanges continue to increase with the expansion of bilateral cooperation in recent years, and Chinese government has always supported the development of culture and education in Tanzania and offered help within its capacity.

"Books are the carriers of knowledge and stepping stones to human progress. Moreover, books are envoys of culture exchange and links of friendship," Lu said, adding that he hopes the China Library could become a new window for Tanzanian people to learn about China and a new bridge of deepening traditional friendship between China and Tanzania.

Chinese government donated 20 computers, 1000 paper publications and videos and 100,000 digital publications to China Library, which was co-established by China's State Council Information Office and Tanzania's National Central Library. Covering Chinese politics, economy, culture, history, art, science, etc, the donated publications offer a integrated image of China to Tanzanian people.

The extensive cooperation between Tanzania and China in social, economic, political and cultural areas has benefited the two countries' people, and China's generous donation is the best example of the good relationship, said Celestine Gesimba, Permanent Secretary of Tanzania's Ministry of Education and Vocational Training.

China Library would open to the public as soon as possible, he added.

The opening ceremony and books donation were part of a series of cultural exchange events called "Experience China at Tanzania", which has been going on in Tanzania since last month.

Co-hosted by China's State Council Information Office, Chinese Embassy in Tanzania and Tanzania's Ministry of Information, Youth, Culture and Sports, the Experience China events also include many other activities such as mutual visits by media correspondents, Chinese acrobatic performances and the Chinese Television Week.