TRADE EXPANSION: Tanzania eyes new export markets
MOSCOW: PRIME MINISTER Dr Mwigulu Nchemba has directed Tanzanian diplomatic staff in Russia to intensify efforts to secure new markets for locally produced goods, saying increased agricultural production requires reliable international buyers.
He said Tanzania was now producing surplus agricultural commodities, making it necessary for the country’s diplomatic missions to identify opportunities beyond existing markets and expand access to major Russian cities.
Dr Mwigulu made the remarks on Friday when he met staff at the Tanzanian Embassy in Moscow, where he commended them for representing the country and promoting its interests.
“We still need markets for our products. We have increased agricultural production and now have surplus, so use this opportunity to establish markets in other cities because Russia is a very large country,” he said.
The Prime Minister said expanding market access would help Tanzanian producers benefit from increased production while creating opportunities for trade and economic growth.
He also urged embassy officials to explore opportunities in the education sector, an area that emerged during the recent Heads of State Summit.
Dr Mwigulu further directed diplomatic staff to follow up on and ensure implementation of all resolutions and directives arising from President Dr Samia Suluhu Hassan’s visit to Russia in June this year.
Earlier, the Prime Minister visited AZBUKA VKUSA, a retail outlet in Moscow that sells Tanzanian products, as part of efforts to assess the presence of locally produced goods in the Russian market.
Meanwhile, Russian President Vladimir Putin reaffirmed his country’s commitment to strengthening relations with African nations, describing Russia as a reliable partner in supporting the continent’s development and sovereignty.
Speaking during the Third Russia-Africa Summit held in Moscow over two days, Mr Putin said Russia had historically supported African countries in their struggles against colonialism and their pursuit of independence and self-determination.
He said Moscow respected the right of African nations to determine their own political and economic systems without external interference.
“Russia has stood alongside the people of Africa, supporting their struggle against colonial oppression. We have fully and selflessly supported African nations in their efforts to gain independence, self-determination and development based on their own sovereignty,” he said.
Mr Putin also criticised what he described as continued exploitation of Africa’s natural resources.
He said Russian companies prioritised processing natural resources within the countries where they operate, arguing that such an approach could create employment and increase government tax revenues.
The summit brought together representatives from 48 African countries, including 22 represented by their heads of state or government.
The discussions provided an opportunity to strengthen Russia-Africa relations, explore economic cooperation and identify areas of mutual interest in trade, investment and development.
