TRA commits to protecting private businesses

DAR ES SALAAM: Commissioner General of the Tanzania Revenue Authority (TRA), Yusuph Mwenda the authority will collaborate with traders to protect private businesses so that they continue to grow and exist, including solving their challenges.

Speaking in Dar es Salaam when he visited traders at the Kariakoo International Market to express his condolences for the challenges that have occurred and to check the current business situation, he called on all buyers who rely on the Kariakoo market and other places to ensure that business is going well.

“I have come to see the activities they are doing, but also to express my condolences for the challenges that have occurred, some have not opened their businesses. I have come to see how businesses are going, and I am happy to see businesses going on as usual, and I have been confirmed by those I spoke to that they are selling as usual and customers are coming,” Commissioner Mwenda stressed.

He has also assured the leadership on behalf of private traders that the business is public because while they are doing their business, the public benefits from the services, the tax that is available, for others to make purchases.

“President Dr Samia Suluhu, while campaigning, said that the Presidential Commission to reform tax issues has completed its work and the government will issue its report once it is formed. One of the challenges they discussed is policy issues. I have assured them that when the report comes out, TRA will collaborate with them to ensure that the proposals to resolve long-term challenges will be implemented and resolved,” he said.

He said that traders are their partners, so the challenges that have been proven will take steps to bring relief to them.

For his part, the Chairman of the Kariakoo Traders Association, Severine Mushi, said they are happy that the TRA commissioner has apologized to them for the effects that occurred before and after the elections. This step is a show of concern, and he has listened to them.

“Despite the chaos, our area remained safe, and now businesses are thriving and back to normal. We expect to grow towards the end of the year. The loss is huge; the internet was down and did not work, so online businesses failed.

Regarding those who faced personal challenges, he said they will submit a report to the TRA manager to ensure that the challenges are resolved.