COAST REGION: THE Minister of State in the President’s Office (Planning and Investment), Professor Kitila Mkumbo said on Thursday that the government will continue to create a favourable environment for investors in the country to produce quality goods capable of competing in the international market.
The minister made the statement during his one-day visit to two industries in Kibaha Town, Coast region this week.
The industries visited were Kinglion Industry, which manufactures white sheets and tricycles and GF Vehicle Assemblers (GFA) Ltd, the vehicle assembly centre in the country.
Prof Mkumbo who was accompanied by a team from the Tanzania Investment Centre (TIC) insisted that the government is committed to fostering a competitive economy by prioritising a conducive environment for investors.
“Our government’s goal is to strengthen the industrial sector; not let it decline. We are committed to improving local industries to attract more investors,” he stated.
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He further highlighted that Kinglion is one of the largest industries in the East African region. The owner has planned a total investment of 62 million US dollars (about 150bn/-).
To date, the industry has already invested 42 million US dollars (about 90bn/-).
“This industry is now producing white sheet materials that we used to import from China and South Africa. Now, we can source them right here in our country,” he explained.
Looking ahead, Prof Mkumbo revealed that for the 2025/26 financial year, the government will focus on improving road infrastructure in economic and industrial zones to further enhance Tanzania’s competitive economy.
The General Manager of Kinglion Industry, Mr Arnold Lyimo said currently the company employs 2,000 people, 800 directly and 1,200 indirectly.
During his visit to GFA, Prof Mkumbo also announced that the government is introducing a policy to restrict the importation of worn-out vehicles.
The General Manager of GFA, Mr Ezra Mereng told the Minister that the company, with a capital investment of 10bn/- has the capacity to assemble 3,000 vehicles. To date, GFA has created employment for 220 individuals.
