Posted on April, 25, 2019 at 09:12 am
TWO cabinet ministers have commended TradeMark East Africa for supporting government efforts to encourage trade both domestically and in the East African region.
Industry Trade and Investment Minister, Joseph Kakunda and Minister of State President’s Office for Central Establishment, George Mkuchika said on Monday during a TMEA sensitization seminar for lawmakers, that the trade supporting agency has assisted to remove non tariff barriers.
“The government of President John Pombe Magufuli is committed towards improving the business environment hence recognises the role which TradeMark East Africa has played in supporting such an endeavour,” Kakunda said.
He pointed out that among other things, TMEA has assisted to remove numerous road blocks which delayed shipment of cargo from Dar es Salaam port to landlocked countries but also improvement of infrastructure to support both domestic and regional trade.
“The government appreciates TradeMark’s role in financing improvement of infrastructure that improves trade but also digitization of the trading system which improves efficiency through competition,” the Industry and Trade Minister added.
Seconding his peer, Mkuchika praised TradeMark for organizing the seminar for legislators so that they get an understanding of the situation on the ground in as much as domestic and regional trade are concerned.
“Through your presentations, lawmakers have become aware of the non tariff barriers, policies and laws which frustrate the smooth conducting of trade in the country hence in a better position to undertake necessary changes to address such shortfalls,” Mkuchika pointed out.
He said a better business and investment climate will make the country a competitive destination for investment hence boosting growth and government revenue.
TMEA Country Director for Tanzania, John Ulanga told legislators that the country is well positioned to benefit from regional trade and investment opportunities because it is bordering six landlocked countries.
“Because of its position, Tanzania is ideally located to become a regional trade hub in East Africa,” Ulanga said while urging lawmakers to undertake necessary policy and legal reforms to ensure that such potential is unleashed.
He said as an aid-for-trade donor funded regional body with its headquarters in Nairobi, TMEA has been working with governments in the region to address obstacles hindering rapid growth of regional trade.
The seminar was also attended by representatives from Tanzania Revenue Authority, Tanzania Food and Drug Authority, Tanzania Ports Authority and relevant government ministries and departments.
Source: IPP Media