Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Energy, Hon. Dr. Doto Biteko, has instructed all regions and local councils across Tanzania to ensure that industries within their jurisdictions actively participate in international trade exhibitions.
Dr. Biteko made the directive while representing Vice President Hon. Dr. Philip Isdory Mpango at the 2nd Tanzania International Industrial Exhibition opening in Dar es Salaam on Thursday (September 26).
He stressed the importance of industries showcasing their locally produced goods to secure both domestic and international markets, particularly in the East African Community (EAC) and Southern African Development Community (SADC) regions.
"I direct all regions and local authorities to ensure industries under their jurisdiction participate in showcasing their products. This will help secure both local and international markets, including the EAC and SADC regions, thereby boosting Tanzania's exports of goods and services," Dr. Biteko said.
He reaffirmed the government's commitment to creating a conducive environment for business and investment, particularly in the industrial sector, as part of its broader economic goals.
“Our Blueprint document outlined the challenges facing the industrial and business sectors, with recommendations on how to address them. This initiative began under the Fifth Government, and I want to assure you that the Sixth Government will continue working to resolve the challenges affecting trade and investment, especially in the industrial sector," Dr. Biteko said.
He also encouraged business owners and industrialists to work closely with the government and its institutions to address the challenges facing the industrial sector in order to foster economic growth.
Additionally, Dr. Biteko emphasized that the exhibition would have a greater impact if participants openly discuss the challenges within the sector and propose solutions.
He also called on regulatory and standards bodies like the Business Registrations and Licensing Agency (BRELA), Tanzania Bureau of Standards (TBS), and Tanzania Medicines and Medical Devices Authority (TMDA) to actively participate in the exhibition to educate the public and address industry challenges.
"I take this opportunity to instruct all government regulatory and enabling institutions within the business, industrial, and investment sectors to participate in the exhibition. These include BRELA, TBS, TMDA, TIC, and others. Their presence is essential for educating the public and addressing the challenges facing the industry and businesses in Tanzania," Dr. Biteko added.
Speaking on the issue of smuggled goods, Dr. Biteko urged Dar es Salaam’s Regional Defense and Security Committee to combat smuggling and called on business owners to take pride in paying taxes on imported goods.
Regarding the country’s energy sector, Dr. Biteko noted that Tanzania has now achieved energy sufficiency and no longer faces power shortages.
“We now have a surplus of electricity. If you check today, the use of gas-generated electricity has reduced because we have sufficient hydroelectric power. Thanks to the government’s efforts in improving energy infrastructure, I urge industries to take advantage of this power to boost production,” he said.
Dr. Biteko also encouraged manufacturers to use the exhibition as an opportunity to learn about modern technologies, promote their products, and educate consumers on the quality and benefits of Tanzanian-made goods.
He emphasized the private sector’s critical role in building an industrial economy, while the government continues to invest in improving the business environment.
In addition, Dr. Biteko called on stakeholders in the industrial sector to provide input on improving the new National Development Vision and urged Tanzanians to participate in local elections by electing patriotic leaders at the village and neighborhood levels.
Deputy Minister for Industry and Trade, Hon. Exaud Kigahe, stated that the exhibition attracted 250 participants from local and international companies.
The primary goal of the exhibition is to facilitate knowledge exchange and industrial collaboration.
“We expect greater participation from small-scale producers, who make up more than 90% of the sector. The Ministry of Industry will continue to collaborate with various stakeholders to support the growth of the industrial sector in Tanzania,” Kigahe said.
Dar es Salaam Regional Commissioner, Hon. Albert Chalamila, emphasized that the exhibition should promote the production of high-quality local goods capable of competing in international markets.
Prof. Ulingeta Mbamba, Chairman of the Tantrade Board, highlighted the importance of the exhibition in connecting local producers with domestic and international markets. He commended the collaboration between Tantrade and industrial producers in organizing the event.
Chairman of the Confederation of Tanzania Industries (CTI), Mr. Paul Makanza, noted the potential for producing goods for export, adding that the exhibition provides an important platform for networking, learning, and building business relationships.
Earlier, Dr. Biteko toured the exhibition and viewed locally produced electric cars by KAYPEE Motors Limited, as well as aircraft manufactured in Morogoro by a Czech company.
The Second Tanzania International Industrial Exhibition 2024 is scheduled to conclude on October 1, 2024.