Government calls for faster, smarter trade facilitation

DODOMA: The government has identified trade facilitation as a key priority in improving the business environment and expanding Tanzania’s participation in regional and international trade.

Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Industry and Trade, Ambassador Waziri Salum, made the statement in Dodoma while opening a meeting of the Steering Committee of the National Committee on Trade Facilitation (NCTF).

He said the government had taken various measures to create a conducive environment for trade, including implementing the World Trade Organisation (WTO) Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA).

According to Ambassador Salum, implementation of the agreement has established procedures and guidelines for exporting, importing and transiting goods to neighbouring countries.

He said the government was also investing in infrastructure to facilitate trade, including roads, railways, airports and port expansion, while improving quality and safety infrastructure.

Other measures include expanding electronic systems and improving communication services to make trade processes more efficient.

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“Effective trade facilitation is essential to positioning Tanzania as a competitive destination for business and supporting economic development,” Ambassador Salum said.

He urged committee members to fulfil their responsibilities both within and outside the committee to ensure Tanzania achieves its trade facilitation objectives.

The meeting brought together public- and private-sector representatives from Mainland Tanzania and Zanzibar to discuss implementation of the Trade Facilitation Agreement and advise the government on additional measures to enhance trade.

The discussions are also expected to help Tanzania maximise opportunities arising from regional and continental markets, particularly through the East African Community (EAC), Southern African Development Community (SADC) and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

Effective trade facilitation can reduce delays and transaction costs while making it easier for businesses to move goods across borders. For Tanzania, strengthening these systems is expected to improve competitiveness, support businesses and increase the country’s ability to benefit from expanding regional and international markets.