Tanzania and Belarus agree to broaden cooperation in ports management

DAR ES SALAAM: TANZANIA and Belarus have agreed to strengthen cooperation in the ports sector with the aim of accelerating economic growth and expanding trade opportunities between the two countries.

The agreement was reached following a visit by Belarus Foreign Affairs Minister, Mr Maxim Ryzhenkov, to the Tanzania Ports Authority (TPA) headquarters in Dar es Salaam where he toured port operations.

Speaking during the visit, TPA Deputy Director General, Eng Dr Baraka Mdima, said the authority is ready to collaborate with Belarus to improve the transportation of agricultural produce, particularly perishable goods.

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He noted that TPA is continuing to upgrade modern port infrastructure and is setting aside special areas to handle such cargo, citing Tanga and Bagamoyo ports as key facilities expected to support the initiative.

On his part, Mr Ryzhenkov said Belarus is impressed by the development of Tanzania’s ports and is ready to use the country as a gateway for exporting its agricultural produce to international markets.

Meanwhile, Tanzania’s Ambassador to Russia, Mr Fredrick Kibuta, welcomed the move, saying the partnership will open up new avenues for trade and investment while enhancing the shipment of goods, especially agricultural produce, through Tanzania’s ports to global markets.