DAR ES SALAAM: DEPUTY Prime Minister and Minister for Energy, Dr Doto Biteko has called for increased trade between Tanzania and Singapore, highlighting the potential for mutual benefits through enhanced economic collaboration.
He said the two nations boast strong relationship, urging both to explore the factors that have strengthened their ties over the years to enhance trade.
“To enhance trade between Tanzania and Singapore, both countries must establish or enhance trade agreements that reduce tariffs and trade barriers, facilitating smoother exchanges of goods and services,” he said.
Dr Biteko made the remarks on Monday in Singapore during a meeting with Singapore’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Industry and Trade, Mr Gan Kim Yong.
“We need to learn from this relationship, particularly from Singapore, which has achieved significant advancements in the energy sector, with an electricity capacity of over 8 gigawatts,” Dr Biteko stated.
“This is in stark contrast to Tanzania’s approximately 3,000 megawatts, where we plan to reach 10,000 megawatts by 2030,” he added.
He further noted that this ambitious plan cannot be realised without collaboration with stakeholders and other countries, such as Singapore.
“We hope to see our partnership continue to grow and benefit our citizens,” Dr Biteko said.
He commended Singapore for its achievements in solar energy production, saying that Tanzania is also making strides in generating electricity from solar power.
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Dr Biteko said that the country is currently implementing a major Julius Nyerere Hydropower Plant (JNHPP), aimed at producing 2,115 megawatts, with feasibility studies underway for various other power generation initiatives.
He extended an invitation to Mr Yong to visit Tanzania, saying that, on behalf of the government and President Dr Samia Suluhu Hassan, they would be delighted to explore further collaboration opportunities.
“We believe there are many areas where we can work together,” he said.
In response, Singapore’s Deputy Prime Minister, Mr Yong, expressed his country’s readiness to continue collaborating with Tanzania, noting that both countries share similar needs.
He said that Singapore relies heavily on natural gas while also utilising hydroelectric, solar and wind power.
Furthermore, he indicated that his country is prepared to cooperate with Tanzania in exchanging experiences related to various issues in the energy sector.