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DAR-ES-SALAAM. – The Tanzania-Zambia Railway Authority (TAZARA) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Bombardier Transportation, the rail equipment division of the Canadian firm Bombardier Inc., to explore possibilities of investment cooperation, the authority said in a statement yesterday.

The statement said with access to possible international funding options to support the revitalisation of TAZARA, Bombardier Transportation has offered a preliminary turnkey solution for TAZARA to increase efficiency and capacity in the areas of track, rolling stock, signaling and telecommunications.

“Following the signing of the MoU, we shall now create a joint team to undertake a feasibility study that will define and agree on the scope of the partnership, after which Bombardier Transportation will submit a full technical and financial proposal for our consideration,” said the statement signed by TAZARA Head of public Relations, Conrad Simuchile.

Bruno Ching’andu, TAZARA Managing Director, said: “We are delighted to welcome Bombardier Transportation, an acclaimed global leader in rail and aircraft technology, as one of the key partners in our quest to attain medium to long-term aspirations that include investing in rolling stock and infrastructure.”

He added: “On our part, we remain very open to all possibilities for introducing investments in rolling stock and infrastructure, which is essential for uplifting our capacity and instilling confidence in our customers.”

Nazif Tasci, Bombardier Transportation Director for Sales and Business Development, who signed the MoU on behalf of Bombardier, assured TAZARA that it was very possible to arrange a turnkey solution, including a very attractive funding arrangement via Sweden.- Xinhua.