DAR ES SALAAM - Seven out of ten Tanzanians describe China as having a positive influence on their country, a study has found.

"About 70 percent of Tanzanians view positively China's economic and political engagement in Tanzania," said the study released Wednesday by the Research on Poverty Alleviation, a non-governmental organization.

Chinese businesses and investments in infrastructure were leading factors contributing to China's positive image in the east African nation, according to the study.

"Tanzanians have a positive attitude towards Chinese aid in the country. China is the preferred model for Tanzania's development," said the study which was conducted countrywide.

As one of the major recipients of China's aid to Africa, Tanzania has received more than 100 cooperation projects and programs totaling over $2 billion since the early 1960s.