The Tanzania Trade Development Authority (TanTrade) has used the Zanzibar Fahari trade fair to promote locally manufactured products and help businesses connect with domestic and international markets.
The authority participated in the closing ceremony of the ninth Fahari ya Zanzibar Exhibition, which was officiated by Minister for Youth, Employment and Empowerment Shabani Ali Othuman on Sunday.
TanTrade Deputy Director Freddy Liundi said the authority’s participation was part of efforts to expand market opportunities for producers and traders while providing them with information and skills needed to grow their businesses.
He said the Made in Tanzania brand was important in building consumer confidence in locally produced goods, improving their competitiveness and opening opportunities in both domestic and international markets.
“The Made in Tanzania mark helps consumers identify locally produced goods while giving producers an opportunity to strengthen the competitiveness of their products,” Mr Liundi said.
He said TanTrade would continue supporting producers by linking them with markets and providing information on available business opportunities.
Mr Othuman called for greater efforts to increase production and productivity while improving market access for traders and producers.
He also stressed the need to educate the public and businesses on available trade and investment opportunities, particularly those that can enable local producers to access markets within and outside Tanzania.
The Director General of the Zanzibar Economic Empowerment Agency (ZEEA), Juma Burhan Mohammed, commended TanTrade for its participation in the exhibition.
He said ZEEA would continue working with stakeholders to improve future exhibitions and expand awareness among traders and producers on opportunities to grow businesses and contribute to the economies of Zanzibar and Tanzania.
During the exhibition, TanTrade provided information to traders, producers and members of the public from various sectors, including agriculture and fisheries.
The authority also explained its role in issuing permits for participation in exhibitions and educated producers on the importance of the Made in Tanzania mark in building consumer trust and improving the marketability of locally produced goods.
The exhibition provided a platform for businesses to showcase their products, access information on markets and learn how branding and certification can help them compete more effectively in local and international markets.