On December 11, the University of Dar es Salaam (UDSM) library in Tanzania, hosted the inauguration ceremony for the second phase of the "China Bookshelf" facilitated by the China Communications Construction Tanzania Branch.

Initiatives such as the "China Bookshelf," project serves as innovative cultural bridges, promoting knowledge exchange and enhancing mutual understanding between China and Tanzania. These endeavors not only enrich intellectual discourse but also nurture enduring friendships between their people.During his speech, Chu Kun, the commercial counselor of the Chinese Embassy in Tanzania, highlighted the growing cooperation between the two countries, driven by the momentum of the "Belt and Road" initiative. He emphasized the significant progress made in key areas such as infrastructure development, economic trade, and cultural interactions.

Chu expressed his hope that initiatives such as the "China Bookshelf" will provide Tanzanian friends with a broader window into understanding China, ultimately elevating China-Tanzania relations to new heights.

Colin Kimayo, the acting director of the UDSM library, lauded the event and expressed deep  gratitude to the China Communications Construction Tanzania Branch. He highlighted the diverse and enriching content of the donated books, underscoring their value in providing students with learning and skill development.

The donation from the China Communications Construction Tanzania Branch includes 200 high-quality English-language books, spanning a wide array of subjects such as Chinese classical literature, poetry, engineering technology, scientific exploration and geographical knowledge.

During the ceremony, Zhang Feng, a senior teacher from the Confucius Institute, delivered an engaging lecture on ancient Chinese bamboo slip culture. Zhang delved into the historical and cultural significance of "The Hundred Family Surnames," captivating the attendees with his insights.

The UDSM library, constructed with support from the Chinese government, spans a total area of 20,000 square meters and comprises three integral components: the library itself, the Confucius Institute, and the China Tanzania Cultural Exchange Park. Operational since November, 2018, the library boasts an extensive collection of 800,000 books, catering to 2,100 readers. It stands as Africa's largest, best-equipped, and most contemporary library facility.