Ministry boosts local manufacturers’ competitiveness

KIBAHA: THE government is strengthening support for local manufacturers to enhance their competitiveness by increasing production of high-quality goods and reducing dependence on imports.

Deputy Minister for Industry and Trade, Mr Dennis Londo, made the remarks during a visit to GF Vehicle Assemblers in Kibaha Municipality, Coast Region, where he toured industries to assess challenges facing the manufacturing sector and explore solutions.

Mr Londo said the government’s Vision 2050 places local industries at the centre of economic transformation by promoting the use of domestic expertise, resources and raw materials to drive industrial growth, create jobs and increase national income.

“Vision 2050 seeks to ensure locally manufactured products have a reliable market. The government is committed to helping industries expand, create employment and make greater use of locally available raw materials instead of relying heavily on imports,” he said.

He urged GF Vehicle Assemblers to begin manufacturing components such as dashboards and other vehicle parts using locally available materials to strengthen domestic supply chains and support related industries, including steel manufacturing.

GF Vehicle Assemblers General Manager, Mr Ezra Mereng said the plant has assembled more than 6,000 vehicles since operations began in 2018 and has an annual production capacity of 2,000 vehicles.

He thanked the government for its continued support, saying it has enabled the company to operate efficiently. Mr Mereng added that the factory employs about 200 workers, with 99 per cent being Tanzanians.

Earlier, the Deputy Minister visited Hester Biosciences Africa Limited, a livestock pharmaceuticals manufacturing plant in Kibaha Municipality.

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Mr Londo said the livestock sector remains a key contributor to the national economy and reiterated the government’s commitment to supporting industries that strengthen livestock production and animal health.

He said the government would continue working closely with investors to ensure the sector meets international standards by providing timely support and creating an enabling business environment.