The Deputy Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation, Ambassador Said S. Mussa, has called for stronger public engagement on economic diplomacy as he toured the 12th Zanzibar International Trade Fair (ZITF) at the Nyamanzi Grounds in Zanzibar.
The visit formed part of activities marking the 62nd anniversary of the Zanzibar Revolution, with the fair serving as a key platform for showcasing government services, trade opportunities and investment potential.
Ambassador Mussa was received at the Ministry’s pavilion by the Acting Director of the Ministry’s Zanzibar Office, Mr Ali S. Ali, alongside ministry officials, who briefed him on the services and programmes being presented to the public through the exhibition.
Speaking during the visit, Ambassador Mussa urged officials to make full use of the trade fair to explain the ministry’s role in advancing Tanzania’s economic interests abroad.
He emphasised the importance of educating citizens on how economic diplomacy, international cooperation, trade promotion and investment facilitation directly support national development.
“These exhibitions provide an opportunity to bring the work of diplomacy closer to the people and to demonstrate how our international engagements translate into jobs, markets and investment opportunities for Tanzanians,” he said.
The Deputy Permanent Secretary also toured pavilions of several government and non-government institutions, including the Office of the President–State House Zanzibar, the Office of the First Vice President of Zanzibar, the Office of the Second Vice President of Zanzibar and the Zanzibar Electoral Commission, engaging with exhibitors on their roles in strengthening governance and service delivery.
The 12th ZITF, which officially opened on December 29, 2025, is expected to close on January 16, 2026.
The fair brings together local and international exhibitors and is widely seen as a vital platform for promoting trade, investment and innovation, while reinforcing Zanzibar’s position as a regional business hub during the Revolution anniversary celebrations.