The Minister for Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation, Mahmoud Thabit Kombo (MP), has reaffirmed Tanzania’s commitment to deepening trade and investment relations with the Republic of Finland, emphasizing that such partnerships are essential for shared prosperity.
Speaking in Dar es Salaam at the Tanzania–Finland Business and Investment Forum, which brought together stakeholders from both public and private sectors, Kombo underscored the government’s readiness to support investors from Finland.
“The Government of the United Republic of Tanzania is fully committed to enhancing its cooperation with Finland not only to attract investment but to foster sustainable, long-term partnerships that benefit both our nations,” said Kombo.
He assured Finnish investors that Tanzania has made notable progress in improving its business climate, citing ongoing reforms aimed at simplifying licensing procedures, reducing bureaucratic barriers, and modernizing customs systems.
“We are creating a more predictable and transparent environment for doing business. Our goal is to make Tanzania a preferred investment destination in Africa,” he added.
Hon. Kombo also highlighted key sectors that present great potential for collaboration, including Information and Communication Technology (ICT), healthcare, pharmaceuticals, and agricultural technologies.
“We are not looking to be just a market for Finnish products,” he emphasized. “We seek to build meaningful, long-term trade and investment partnerships based on trust, innovation, and mutual respect.”he added
He urged Tanzanian entrepreneurs to explore opportunities in the Finnish market and capitalize on the growing demand for sustainable, high-quality goods.
“Finland values quality, transparency, and sustainability. Tanzanian products, especially natural and organic ones, are well-positioned to meet these expectations and thrive in that market,” Kombo noted.
Meanwhile, the President of the Republic of Finland, Alexander Stubb, praised Tanzania’s efforts to improve its business environment and reaffirmed Finland’s readiness to collaborate with Tanzania in a wide range of sectors.
“We are impressed by Tanzania’s reforms and its commitment to economic transformation. Finland stands ready to work side by side with Tanzania in areas such as education, vocational training, energy, agriculture, healthcare, and environmental protection,” said President Stubb.
He further emphasized Tanzania’s strategic importance in the region.“To Finland, Tanzania is more than a partner it is a key gateway to the East African market, and we look forward to deepening our cooperation,” he remarked.
President Stubb is in Tanzania for a state visit, accompanied by a high-level delegation of Finnish business leaders and investors.