By Charles Mkoka
The 49th annual meeting of the Tanzania Chamber of Commerce, Industry, and Agriculture (TCCIA) hosted a vital panel discussion on consumer and company protection, with a focus on dismantling trade barriers. The session gathered government officials, private sector leaders, and investors to explore opportunities and tackle challenges facing the industry.
Daudi Daudi, representing the Land Transport Regulatory Authority (LATRA), shared insights on the institution's role in advising the government and educating transportation service consumers. He stressed the importance of research platforms, including collaboration with academic institutions, to provide well-informed recommendations. "Our mission is to represent land transport service consumers and ensure they receive quality services at fair prices," Daudi explained.
The panel also underscored the significance of raising public awareness to guarantee sustainable, high-quality services through partnerships with relevant stakeholders.
Dr. Joromy Materu from the Occupational Safety and Health Authority (OSHA) highlighted the importance of creating safe work environments that benefit consumers as well. "We aim to be seen as partners rather than enforcers. Our role is to ensure safe working conditions that lead to better consumer experiences," he noted, echoing ongoing campaigns by the Fair Competition Commission (FCC) to promote consumer protection.
A representative from the FCC addressed recent developments in business law, focusing on efforts to curb monopolies and prevent market manipulation. "Consumers deserve access to products at competitive prices, and our role is to ensure that market competition is fair and transparent," they stated, mentioning undercover investigations as part of their approach to tackling deceptive practices.
The panel also discussed how collaboration between consumer markets and the producer community is vital for the nation's economic growth and development. Daudi from LATRA emphasized the organization's work advising LATRA and the Ministry of Transport to enhance the regulatory environment. Dr. Materu from OSHA pointed out that OSHA’s enforcement of the Employment and Labor Relations Act No. 5 is crucial in reducing accidents and minimizing production costs.
The TCCIA representative focused on the importance of free market entry and exit in Tanzania, advocating for a more inclusive approach to market solutions. "We need to think beyond self-interest and ensure that everyone has an opportunity to thrive," they said.
In response to concerns about unfair competition, the FCC representative explained that the commission plays a key role in market development within regional and continental bodies, such as the East African Community (EAC), Southern African Development Community (SADC), and the African Union (AU), while actively reducing harmful competitive practices.
The event fostered valuable networking opportunities, enabling participants to forge new partnerships and explore avenues for collective growth.