By Our ReporterTanzania is seeking to turn international trade exhibitions into market opportunities for local agricultural producers, with the Warehouse Receipts Regulatory Board (WRRB) using a major Chinese expo to attract buyers for the country's commodities.
The board participated in the ninth China International Import Expo (CIIE), held in Shanghai from November 5 to 10, 2026, to promote the Warehouse Receipts System (WRS) and connect international buyers with Tanzanian agricultural produce.
The participation comes as Tanzania seeks to expand markets for its agricultural commodities, with the warehouse receipts system offering a framework for improving produce storage, maintaining quality and promoting transparent trading.
Through the system, farmers and traders can store their produce in licensed warehouses before selling it through organised market arrangements.
During a visit to Tanzania's pavilion, Zanzibar Minister for Trade and Industrial Development, Mr Omar Said Shabaan, commended the country's participation, particularly the involvement of government institutions.
He said the exhibition provided an opportunity for public institutions to showcase services available in Tanzania and promote the country's business and investment opportunities to international audiences.
Mr Shabaan stressed the importance of using such platforms strategically to reach international buyers looking for Tanzanian products.
One of the immediate signs of commercial interest came from a representative of Chengdu Jintao Yunhui International Trade Co. Ltd, who expressed interest in Tanzania's white sesame seeds, a commodity traded through the Warehouse Receipts System.
The interest presents an opportunity to explore new international market linkages for Tanzanian sesame producers and traders.
However, converting such interest into actual trade will be important in ensuring that participation in international exhibitions delivers tangible benefits to producers and the wider agricultural sector.