MWANZA : THE Tanzania Ports Authority (TPA) has emerged overall winner at the ongoing 2023 Mwanza East Africa Trade Fair (MEATF) following significant improvements in the country’s ports.
The TPA, with the government’s helping hand, has succeeded to transform port operations and enhanced efficiency.
There have been massive improvements in port infrastructure, acquisition and use of modern cargo handling equipment and technologies, safety and security, while considerable measures have been taken to market the country’s ports with the ultimate goal of multiplying volumes of cargo passing through Tanzania’s ports.
After coming into power, President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s first major step to promote the port industry was giving the TPA a 500bn/- war chest to procure modern cargo handling equipment and technologies.
Speaking at the award-giving ceremony recently in Mwanza, TPA Public Relations and Corporate Communication Manager Mr Nicodemus Mushi said the sixth phase government has improved the working environment at the country’s ports. .
Mr Mushi noted that the funds given by Samia’s government have helped to improve technology systems for cargo handling, thus addressing delays in loading and unloading cargo.
He asked port users to provide cooperation to institutions that offer services at the ports so as to enable speedy unloading of their cargo.
“We have improved security for imported and exported cargo, thus meeting international standards,” he said.
Deputy Minister for Industry and Trade Mr Exaud Kigahe said the 18th exhibition for East Africa is an opportunity for traders and producers of goods to exchange experience and knowledge to improve their services.
He asked Tanzanians to take advantage of the geographical location and stability in the country by investing in the productive sectors.
Communication Officer of Business Registration and Licensing Agency (BRELA), Ms Gloria Mbilimonywa, said the authority has improved the system for registration of companies whereby now it can be done online, a move which has addressed a challenge of delays.
Ms Mbilimonywa, said due to the growth of business and industry in the City of Mwanza the exhibition provides instant services for business registration, licenses, industries and others.