Dar, Kinshasa eye wider trade opportunities

DODOMA: TANZANIA and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) have agreed to strengthen economic cooperation by expanding trade and investment opportunities in mining, transport, agriculture and healthcare.

The commitment was made during talks between Prime Minister Dr Mwigulu Nchemba and his DRC counterpart, Ms Judith Tuluka, on Wednesday in Dodoma aimed at exploring ways of enhancing economic ties between the two countries.

Speaking during the meeting at his office in Mlimwa, Dodoma, Dr Mwigulu said Tanzania and DRC have significant opportunities to expand cooperation, particularly in mining, transport and logistics, food production and healthcare services.

“There are still enormous opportunities to expand economic cooperation between our two countries. As you know, Tanzania and DRC are endowed with abundant natural resources, including minerals, fertile land, forests, lakes and rivers,” he said.

Dr Mwigulu said the two countries can increase their current trade volumes by encouraging the private sector to take advantage of opportunities available through regional and continental economic frameworks.

“Tanzania and DRC have many opportunities to do more business. We will assign ministers responsible for the relevant sectors to continue meeting and finalising these issues,” he said.

He said DRC is the largest user of Dar es Salaam Port, accounting for 48 per cent of the total cargo handled for landlinked countries.

“I am pleased that during this visit you had an opportunity to tour Dar es Salaam Port and Kwala Dry Port, where we have allocated a large area for DRC. I would also like to commend the DRC government for its decision to construct a road from Lubumbashi to Kalemie. This development will open up more trade opportunities for Tanzania,” he said.

On her part, Ms Tuluka thanked Tanzania for its support to DRC, including military assistance, hosting refugees and providing food and medical supplies during difficult times in her country.

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“We are grateful to the government of Tanzania, particularly President Samia Suluhu Hassan, who, through various regional and international meetings, has advocated for and supported the Democratic Republic of Congo to maintain peace,” she said.

She said DRC will not forget Tanzania’s decision to host and provide shelter to more than 90,000 refugees when her country was facing conflict involving Rwanda.

“We cannot forget Tanzania for receiving and providing shelter to more than 90,000 refugees when our country was facing challenges. We sincerely appreciate Tanzania for that solidarity,” she said.

Ms Tuluka also said DRC has implemented economic reforms through various domestic and international programmes, resulting in improvements in its financial system and international standing.

“We have reformed our financial system and succeeded in building confidence in the international arena. Our currency has appreciated against the US dollar. When I took office in June 2024, one US dollar was equivalent to 3,000 Congolese francs, but currently one dollar is equivalent to 2,250 francs,” she said.

She added that the improvements have enabled the country to secure loans worth one million US dollars and begin moving away from the list of countries with distressed debt.

“The DRC currently has positive credibility at the international level,” she said