DAR ES SALAAM: PRIME Minister Kassim Majaliwa has attributed the country’s development milestones to a collaborative relationship between the government and the private sector.
Speaking during the launch of Private Sector Week (2024) which coincided with the 25th-anniversary celebration of the Tanzania Private Sector Foundation (TPSF), in Dar es Salaam on Tuesday, he urged ministries and public institutions to enhance the business environment further to foster continued growth and development.
“The development milestones we are witnessing in our country in every sector depend on the contributions of both the government and the private sector, he said.
He highlighted President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s commitment to bolstering the private sector’s competitiveness as a driver of national development.
The Prime Minister directed ministries and government institutions to actively engage with the private sector and incorporate their views in policy and law reviews related to trade.
“This approach will help address challenges such as bureaucratic hurdles and streamline processes for permits and licenses,” he added.
He also directed ministries responsible for industry, trade and investment to prioritize strategies that promote and support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
“Creating an enabling environment for SMEs, including access to affordable loans, training, and market opportunities, is crucial for their growth and contribution to the economy,” he emphasized.
Highlighting the government’s efforts to bolster the private sector, the PM said the government has strengthened the business environment by reviewing business policies and laws to eliminate hurdles encountered by the businessmen and investors.
Majaliwa said the steps taken include improving business registration procedures, reducing bureaucracy, enhancing transparency, providing investment opportunities in various sectors such as agriculture, energy, infrastructure, tourism, industry and establishing special investment areas.
Similarly, the Premier said that the government has substantially invested in transport infrastructure, energy, water and communication as key to business and investment activities.
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Earlier, Minister of State in the Prime Minister’s Office – Policy, Parliament and Coordination, Ms Jenista Mhagama commended President Samia for her decision to establish a new philosophy to collaborate with the private sector including removing the monopoly of ideas.
“Our President believes in the freedom of opinion in creating a strong mutual relationship between the private sector and the government,” Minister Mhagama said.
She added that President Dr Samia has frequently engaged in meetings with various private sector groups to listen to their challenges, learning from their successes, and establishing a solid and appropriate framework for moving forward those benefits both parties.
The Deputy Minister for Industry and Trade, Exaud Kigahe said the ministry has set six key priorities for the current financial year to improve the business environment and spur economic growth.
The TPSF Chairperson, Ms Angelia Ngalula, expressed optimism about Tanzania’s potential to become a regional hub, leveraging its rich resources.
“We also wish to see more businesses formalized and the taxpayer base expanded,” she said.
She also highlighted the foundation’s growth from 33 to more than 500 members who include a broad spectrum of business associations and large companies.