Tanzania, South Africa set for stronger ties

[BabuK]

TIC Executive Director, Juliet Kairuki


Tanzania and South Africa are set to strengthen their business and investment relations for the mutual benefits of the people of both countries.

The most recent efforts to bolster the relations between the two nations have seen a delegation of South Africans representing trade and investment institutions coming to Tanzania for further discussions.

A meeting organised by Tanzania Investment Centre (TIC) in collaboration with a Tanzania High Commission in South Africa was dubbed ‘South Africa-Tanzania Business Seminar’ took place in Dar es Salaam on Tuesday.

Talking to journalists after the seminar, the TIC Executive Director, Juliet Kairuki said their discussions revolved around how both countries could benefit from working together in areas of trade and investment.

The potential South African investors have shown interest in agriculture especially in cash crops and identified Mwanza and Morogoro regions. “TIC will give all necessary help to enable them invest in Tanzania,” she said.
The seminar is a result of the Lake Zone Investment Forum that took place in Mwanza Region in February, this year which was organised by TIC.

After the forum, the South African High Commissioner in Tanzania, Thanduyise Chilliza took the initiative to connect and sell Tanzania opportunities to companies in his home country.

Kairuki said Tanzania is set to benefit from technology, access to markets and know production management among others.

“We should be ready to tap those benefits,” she said, adding that the investors want to work with smallholder farmers and also buy crops from them.

She explained that TIC will hold a meeting to connect investors from both countries as a way forward after the seminar.

Chilliza said the two countries have a long history and the on-going talks seek to cement it.
“Africans will succeed if they will work together and not in isolation,” he said.

Morogoro Regional Commissioner, Joel Bendera said: “We have learnt new experiences from our South African colleagues especially in matters relating to horticulture and spice cultivation.”

Meanwhile, Tanzania High Commissioner to South Africa, Radhia Msuya hailed the seminar and commended TIC for a job well done.
“The seminar was an eye opener and successful,” she said.

The Executive Manager, Export Development and Promotion of Trade and Investment KwaZulu Natal, South Africa, Lester Bouah said joint partnerships for joint opportunities should be a way forward for Tanzania and South African traders and investors. The seminar was also attended by representatives from Mwanza and Coast Region.



SOURCE: THE GUARDIAN