In the course of Kikwete's visit to China, two significant sets of agreements were struck. On Oct. 24, the Tanzanians and Chinese signed six memorandums of understanding relating to the construction of residential, commercial and industrial properties in the Dar es Salaam metro area, as well as a major road project. On Oct. 26, the Tanzanians signed a set of agreements with Chinese and Omani contractors, planning for the construction of a special economic zone to begin mid-2015, alongside preliminary construction of a port and associated road and rail connector infrastructure. The Tanzanian government said the planned developments will transform the country into a regional financial center. That ambition will likely remain out of reach, however, so long as financial commitment to the projects remains cloudy.