Dr Mwinyi calls for enhanced business environment as Dar Fair concludes
What you need to know:
- Dr Mwinyi said that business opportunities have expanded significantly due to the presence of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), the East African Community (EAC), and the Southern African Development Community (SADC)
Dar es Salaam. The President of Zanzibar, Dr Hussein Ali Mwinyi, has directed the ministry of Industry and Trade to resolve emerging business challenges and ensure there is a conducive environment for prosperity.
He issued the directives when closing the 48th edition of the Dar es Salaam International Trade Fair (DITF), which took place at the Sabasaba Grounds located along Kilwa Road.
In his address concluding the annual exhibitions, which began on June 28, 2024, Dr Mwinyi said that business opportunities have expanded significantly due to the presence of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), the East African Community (EAC), and the Southern African Development Community (SADC).
"Government ministries and institutions should conduct research and thorough analysis to identify potential export markets for Tanzanian products and maintain effective communication with traders,” he said.
He said both the Tanzanian Mainland and Zanzibar are committed to promoting investments by making sure that government institutions align together and end non-tariff barriers (NTBs).
Furthermore, he said during this year’s DITF, nine countries, including South Africa, Turkey, and Arab countries, among others, expressed their interest in purchasing Tanzanian products.
According to him, a total of Sh3.56 billion has been collected from businesses that participated in the 48th DITF edition.
Industry and Trade Minister, Dr Selemani Jafo, said the Tanzania Trade Development Authority (TanTrade) was tasked with embracing professionalism for Tanzanian traders to be able to produce quality products.
TanTrade director general, Ms Latifa Hamisi, said there were 3,886 exhibitors from 28 countries.
She said the exhibition continues to attract more people annually.
"A company from China has shown interest in purchasing 28,000 metric tonnes of potatoes and 20,000 metric tonnes of cassava," she said.
The East Africa Commercial and Logistics Centre Director General, Ms Cathy Wang, said the centre is expected to start operating in October this year.
"The centre’s construction has been completed by 95 percent; therefore, we are expecting to commence operations soon," she said.