Tanzania, Kenya agree to scale up economic ties by removing business barriers
DAR ES SALAAM: TANZANIA, and Kenya have agreed to scale up diplomatic and economic cooperation, with a sharp focus on boosting trade, removing business barriers, and accelerating regional development.
The renewed commitment was made during high-level consultations between the two countries’ foreign ministries, where officials pointed to growing commercial ties and shared strategic interests as the backbone of the partnership.
During the consultations, Tanzania’s Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation, Ambassador Samwel Shelukindo, said the relationship remains strong and continues to expand based on mutual benefit.
The PS noted that structured cooperation frameworks, including the Joint Cooperation Commission (JCC) and the Joint Trade Committee (JTC), have been instrumental in coordinating development initiatives and strengthening bilateral engagement.
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Additionally, he said that ongoing technical discussions across ministries have laid a firm foundation for tangible results, particularly in key sectors such as energy, security, industry and investment.
On his part, Kenya’s Permanent Secretary for Foreign Affairs and Diaspora Affairs, Dr Abraham Sing’Oei, emphasized the need to further deepen economic collaboration between the neighbouring states.
He revealed that bilateral trade has now surpassed 1bn US dollars, alongside a steady rise in cross-border investments.
The meeting also tackled the removal of non-tariff barriers, with both sides pledging swift action to address outstanding challenges and ease the flow of trade and investment.
Furthermore, plans are also underway to convene the Joint Trade Committee meeting and host a major business forum expected to bring together more than 200 companies from both countries, in a move aimed at unlocking new investment opportunities and strengthening private sector linkages.
