DAR ES SALAAM, Feb. 20 (Xinhua) -- Tanzanian Vice President Philip Mpango on Tuesday called for the need to nurture native languages, saying they play an important role in fostering economic growth.

Speaking at the opening of the International Conference on the Role of Native Languages in Tanzania's port city of Dar es Salaam, Mpango said the use of native languages could expand the participation of many people in economic and business opportunities.

"Many people who rely on their native languages could participate in economic and business opportunities if their languages are accommodated," he said ahead of the International Mother Language Day, an annual global observance on Feb. 21 to raise awareness of linguistic and cultural diversity and promote multilingualism.

Mpango also urged the conference to deliberate on how native languages can play their role in the digital economy.

The two-day meeting has brought together retired heads of state, diplomats, policymakers, industrialists, academicians, religious leaders, youth, women, and representatives of non-governmental organizations from across the world.