By Charles Mkoka
Tanzania is set to establish a dedicated export support desk for businesses targeting the Chinese market as part of broader reforms aimed at helping local exporters capitalize on expanding trade opportunities with China.
The announcement was made by Minister for Industry and Trade, Judith Kapinga, during the “Zero Tariff for Shared Opportunities” China-Tanzania breakfast meeting for exporters held at the Johari Rotana.
The meeting was organized by Tanzania’s Ministry of Industry and Trade in collaboration with the government of China and brought together government officials, private sector stakeholders, exporters, and trade representatives to discuss strategies for increasing Tanzanian exports to China.
Kapinga said the planned export desk, to operate under the Tanzania Trade Development Authority (TanTrade), will include Chinese-speaking trade officers and embassy-linked officials tasked with helping exporters navigate language barriers, customs procedures, and market access requirements.
“China is our leading trading partner, and this requires extraordinary strategies to ensure Tanzanian exporters fully benefit from the opportunities available,” she said.
The minister said the government is shifting its approach from strict regulation toward trade facilitation, directing public institutions to help businesses meet export standards rather than rejecting them outright.
“It is no longer acceptable for institutions to simply tell traders they do not qualify. They must instead guide them on how to meet the required standards,” Kapinga said.
She acknowledged that exporters often face difficulties navigating multiple institutions involved in export approvals, particularly in relation to China’s General Administration of Customs (GACC), where language and coordination challenges remain significant obstacles.
To address the issue, the government plans to strengthen coordination among trade-related institutions and ensure exporters receive support throughout the entire export process.
The reforms will also include expanded digital tracking systems within institutions under the Ministry of Industry and Trade to reduce bureaucracy and improve transparency.
Kapinga praised agencies such as the Tanzania Bureau of Standards (TBS) and the Business Registrations and Licensing Agency (BRELA) for progress in digital reforms, while urging TanTrade to accelerate modernization efforts.
The government also plans to launch a dedicated Exporters Forum, to be conducted both physically and virtually, focusing on sector-specific export opportunities and market guidance.
The initiative will be implemented in close collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture, as agricultural products remain among Tanzania’s leading exports to China.
Kapinga further urged Tanzanian businesses to improve competitiveness through value addition, processing, branding and higher product standards to strengthen their position in the Chinese and global markets.
She said the expanding trade framework with China should be viewed not only as a tariff-reduction opportunity but also as a pathway toward industrial growth, job creation and increased incomes for Tanzanian farmers and manufacturers.
