Tanzania and Mozambique have pledged to deepen economic cooperation by expanding trade, investment and industrial development, as the two neighbouring countries seek to translate their long-standing political ties into greater economic prosperity.
Speaking on Thursday at the opening of the 50th Dar es Salaam International Trade Fair (DITF), popularly known as Sabasaba, Mozambique's President Daniel Francisco Chapo said the two countries are embarking on a new era of economic partnership aimed at improving the lives of their citizens.
He said Tanzania and Mozambique have shared a unique relationship since the liberation struggles in Southern Africa and should now build on that legacy through stronger economic integration.
"Our countries share a history rooted in liberation solidarity. Today, we must use that history to build stronger economies, expand industrial production, trade and investment for the benefit of our people," President Chapo said.
He praised Tanzania for successfully hosting the 50th anniversary of the Sabasaba trade fair, describing it as one of Africa's leading platforms for promoting business, innovation and international economic cooperation.
President Chapo said the exhibition has grown beyond a national event to become an important meeting point for investors, manufacturers and entrepreneurs from across Africa and beyond.
President Samia Suluhu Hassan said the trade fair has transformed from a traditional exhibition into an international business platform that connects producers, investors, buyers and innovators from around the world.
She said the annual exhibition has played a key role in helping small and medium-sized enterprises grow into competitive businesses while strengthening Tanzania's position as a regional trade and investment hub.
"The trade fair has become an important catalyst for expanding private sector participation, attracting investment and promoting Tanzania as a gateway for business in East Africa and the Southern African Development Community (SADC)," President Samia said.
She urged businesses and investors to embrace innovation to improve productivity and competitiveness in an increasingly global marketplace.
"Innovation is an important pillar for promoting trade, investment and economic growth. We must continue improving this fair so that it responds to the needs of the global market," she said.
President Samia also thanked President Chapo for accepting Tanzania's invitation to officiate the opening of the landmark 50th edition of the fair.
Minister for Industry and Trade Judith Kapinga said the continued growth of the Sabasaba exhibition reflects the country's expanding economy, particularly in trade, industry and investment.
She said exports of goods and services increased by about 15 per cent over the past year, while merchandise exports exceeded US$10 billion, underlining the country's growing export capacity.
Dr Kapinga attributed the performance to government efforts to promote value addition, industrialisation and economic diplomacy, which have opened new international markets for Tanzanian products.
She said agriculture, mining and manufacturing remain among the leading sectors driving export growth and industrial competitiveness.
The Director General of the Tanzania Trade Development Authority (TanTrade), Latifa Khamis Mohamed, said the trade fair has evolved into one of the country's most significant economic events during its five-decade history.
She said over the past 50 years the exhibition has attracted participants from more than 50 countries, over 38,000 companies and upwards of 10 million visitors.
According to Dr Latifa, the fair has generated thousands of employment opportunities while facilitating trade and investment agreements worth billions of shillings.
This year's edition is expected to bring together more than 4,800 exhibitors and attract over 500,000 visitors.
She also announced that this year's exhibition will feature the launch of the Made in Tanzania Brand, an initiative designed to strengthen the identity, quality and global competitiveness of products manufactured in Tanzania.
Meanwhile, East Africa Commercial and Logistics Center (EACLC) Chief Executive Officer Cathy Wang said the company, the event's main sponsor, remains committed to connecting Tanzanian businesses with the Chinese market and other international destinations.
She said the logistics centre will continue supporting investors and exporters by positioning Tanzania as a strategic trade and logistics hub for East Africa.
The 50th Sabasaba trade fair has brought together thousands of local and international exhibitors, highlighting Tanzania's growing role as a regional centre for trade, industrialisation and cross-border investment.
