By Diplomacy Journal Kayla Lee

Tanzanian Ambassador to South Korea Togolani Edriss Mavura visited Wando to tour seaweed farms and discuss technology transfer, Wando County, Jeollanam-do Province announced on June 27.

This visit was made possible after Wando County Mayor Shin Woo-cheol attended the World Bank Global Seaweed Summit held in Busan in May and gave a special lecture, which led to a connection with officials from Tanzania's Ministry of Livestock and Fisheries.

Tanzanian Ambassador Mavura visited the seaweed farm in Wando with his economic advisor and met with Wando County Mayor Shin Woo-cheol to discuss seaweed farming technology transfer, climate change response, and marine environment conservation measures.

Tanzania mainly cultivates cottonii and spinosum, which are primarily used for carrageenan extraction.

Carrageenan is mainly extracted from red algae and used as a food additive, in pharmaceuticals, and in cosmetics.

Tanzanian Ambassador Mavura said, “We will actively promote Wando County's visit to Tanzania for the purpose of continuous exchange of cultivation technology and development of seaweed that is easy to export.”

Shin Woo-cheol, Wando County Mayor, said, “We are facing an opportunity to spread the future value of seaweed and promote the development of the seaweed industry,” adding, “We plan to continue cooperation by establishing a global network.”

Tanzania is currently pursuing various cooperation projects in economic and social fields with the Korean government through the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA).