 |
By Charles Mkoka
Tanzania's Trade Development Authority has held a stakeholder meeting aimed at improving trade regulations and strengthening the business environment in the country.
The meeting, held in Dar es Salaam, brought together business representatives and other stakeholders to review draft regulations intended to enhance trade promotion and facilitate business activities.
Tito Nombo, Acting Director of Trade Promotion at TanTrade, said the meeting was part of ongoing consultations to gather views from traders and other stakeholders in order to refine guidelines governing trade development.
“TanTrade has a key responsibility to identify and promote markets for Tanzanian products both locally and internationally,” Nombo said, adding that the authority also works to create a supportive environment for businesses to expand and compete.
He said the agency continues to build the capacity of businesses of all sizes and coordinates Tanzania’s participation in national and international trade fairs under enabling policies and regulations.
Francis Lemelo, a legal officer at TanTrade, said the draft regulations are designed to support a broad range of stakeholders within the business sector.
He said the proposed framework includes five sets of regulations approved by parliament and intended to guide the authority’s operations and services.
TanTrade said the reforms are part of wider efforts to update policies and regulatory frameworks in response to evolving developments in the trade sector.
Key beneficiaries of the proposed changes include small, medium and large enterprises, exporters and potential exporters, business associations and private sector institutions.
Stakeholders also shared views on improving the Made in Tanzania label, which aims to promote locally produced goods in domestic and international markets.
Deo Shayo, Acting Manager for Trade Promotion at TanTrade, said the label helps protect product identity while increasing the credibility and market value of goods and services.
“A strong ‘Made in Tanzania’ brand places the country on the global market map, promotes fair competition and strengthens the recognition of Tanzanian products worldwide,” Shayo said.
Participants also proposed improvements in areas such as value chain certification, trade exhibition regulations and business licensing procedures, with officials providing technical clarifications during the meeting.
