Tanzania, DR Congo ink agreement to bolster bilateral trade, create more business opportunities
DAR ES SALAAM: TANZANIA and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) have signed an agreement on trade facilitation and commercial cooperation aimed at boosting economic growth and creating more business opportunities between the two countries.
The agreement was signed in Dar es Salaam by Tanzania’s Minister for Industry and Trade, Judith Kapinga, and DRC Minister of Trade Julien Paluku Kahongya.
The signing follows a recent visit by the DRC President focused on exploring trade opportunities, with the DRC relying heavily on the Port of Dar es Salaam to transport goods to the country.
Minister Kapinga said priority areas of cooperation include transport, exports, trade facilitation, infrastructure development and cross-border trade.
The DRC delegation also visited the Tanzania Ports Authority (TPA) to learn how the Port of Dar es Salaam operates as a key link in trade between Tanzania and the DRC.
The two countries have also agreed to establish a joint trade committee aimed at improving the business environment and strengthening commercial relations between them.
Speaking to journalists after the visit to the Port of Dar es Salaam, accompanied by the DRC Minister of Trade, the Ministry of Industry and Trade’s Director of Trade Development, Sempeho Manongi, described the DRC as an important trading partner for Tanzania.
He said products produced in the DRC, including minerals, could be transported through the Port of Dar es Salaam and utilise Tanzania’s infrastructure, while Tanzanian products could gain greater access to the Congolese market.
Manongi said Tanzania was continuing to improve its infrastructure and business environment to expand trade with neighbouring countries.
He urged private-sector stakeholders to take advantage of the business opportunities emerging from the strengthened trade relations between Tanzania and the DRC.
