President of Tanzania Jakaya Kikwete is calling for the forging of economic links between his country and Jamaica.

Addressing a joint sitting of the houses of Parliament yesterday afternoon, Kikwete invited the business sector in Jamaica to explore investment opportunities in his African country.

"Come and invest in Tanzania," he said, pointing to areas such as information, communication tech-nology, tourism, the health sector, education, mining and agriculture.

"Come and work with us for our mutual benefits," he stressed.

Fuse music, sports

Kikwete also wants Jamaica and Tanzania to pursue greater cooperation in music and sports.

"Jamaica has the fastest men and women on this planet," he said to resounding applause.

He said reggae was a popular genre of music in Tanzania, noting that the late reggae superstar Bob Marley was a household name in his country.

Commenting on Jamaica's exploits in track and field internationally, Kikwete invited Jamaican coaches to assist his country to become a force to be reckoned with in athletics.

In his comments, Prime Minister Bruce Golding praised the Tanzanian leader for his country's role in defusing tensions in parts of East Africa.

"We admire the fact that despite your own economic challenges you have never failed to open your arms to the many thousands who have been displaced by conflict," he said.

Opposition Leader Portia Simpson Miller told Kikwete that the People's National Party was ready to support any initiative between the governments of Tanzania and Jamaica.

She also urged the Tanzanian leader to establish an office in Jamaica to serve the Caribbean region.