Tanzania and Comoros are seeking to deepen economic cooperation, with trade, investment, financial services and digital revenue collection identified as key areas that could deliver greater benefits to citizens in both countries.
Minister for Finance Ambassador Khamis Mussa Omar said Tanzania was committed to strengthening economic and development ties with Comoros, particularly in areas capable of expanding business opportunities, investment and employment.
He made the remarks in Dar es Salaam during talks with Comoros Minister for Finance, Budget and Banking Sector Moussa Abderemane at the Ministry of Finance’s offices.
Ambassador Omar said economic cooperation should form the foundation of stronger relations between the two countries, pointing to trade and investment, banking and financial services, public finance management, infrastructure, energy, tourism and agriculture as priority areas.
He said improving the environment for the movement of goods, services, capital and businesspeople between Tanzania and Comoros would be critical to unlocking the potential of bilateral trade.
“Creating a conducive environment for the movement of goods, services, capital and businesspeople can help expand trade and investment while creating employment opportunities,” Ambassador Omar said.
The minister also said the talks provided an opportunity for the two countries to share experiences on economic management, domestic revenue collection and public financial management.
He said stronger cooperation in these areas could help both countries build resilient economies capable of delivering broader benefits to their populations.
For his part, Mr Abderemane thanked Tanzania for its continued partnership with Comoros in economic, social and cultural matters.
He said his delegation’s visit was also aimed at learning from Tanzania’s experience in using Information and Communication Technology (ICT) to improve government revenue collection and management.
Comoros intends to apply lessons from Tanzania to strengthen its own revenue collection systems, including through the use of ICT and modern tax administration systems.
Mr Abderemane said improved digital systems would help Comoros enhance domestic revenue collection and strengthen the country’s capacity to finance development.
The talks come at a time when both countries are looking to strengthen economic links and make it easier for businesses and citizens to benefit from opportunities available across their respective markets.
The meeting was attended by Comoros Ambassador to Tanzania Ahamada Elbadaoul Mohamed Fakih, SoftNet Technologies Regional Marketing Director Maharage Chande and other officials from Tanzania and Comoros.
For citizens and businesses, stronger cooperation could translate into wider markets, easier movement of goods and services, increased investment opportunities and greater use of technology in public revenue systems.