Govt packaging plan aims to unlock markets for youth entrepreneurs

DODOMA: DEPUTY Minister for Trade and Industries, Exhaud Kigahe has expressed the government’s commitment to helping young entrepreneurs in the country to access funds for obtaining quality packaging materials so that they can access both local and international markets.

He made the statement in the august House yesterday when responding to a supplementary question asked by Special Seats lawmaker, Dr Thea Ntala (CCM) who wanted to know if there were plans so far by the government to collaborate with Financial Institutions to have young entrepreneurs access loans for their packaging business.

“We will conduct a thorough assessment to establish the challenges that youth entrepreneurs are facing and see how best we can improve their business ideas,’’ noted Mr Kigahe.

In her primary question, Dr Ntala sought to know what plan the Small Industries Development Organisation (SIDO) have to lend packaging materials to entrepreneurs in the same way that banks lend money to improve product quality.

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When responding, the Deputy Minister said the government, through SIDO, facilitates entrepreneurs in obtaining packaging materials by purchasing them in bulk (Bulk Procurement), allowing entrepreneurs to acquire those materials at SIDO offices in the regions at retail prices and at affordable rates.

“This process has enabled entrepreneurs to access these packaging materials in a timely manner using loans provided by SIDO,” he said.

According to Mr Kigahe, recognising the importance of access to packaging materials for entrepreneurs, the government has continued to promote investment in packaging industries within the country to facilitate their availability at affordable rates.