During the
launch event in Dodoma, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Energy, Dr. Doto
Biteko, highlighted the policy's role as a catalyst for socio-economic
transformation. "This policy will promote value addition in our
industries, boosting employment. It will also enhance trade facilitation,
strengthen regional relationships, and support sustainable and inclusive
trade," Dr. Biteko emphasized.
Dr.
Selemani Saidi Jafo, the newly appointed Minister for Industry and Trade,
stressed the strategic importance of the revised policy in achieving Tanzania’s
development aspirations. "The National Trade Policy 2023 is a strategic
initiative aimed at accelerating our socio-economic transformation by enhancing
trade competitiveness," he remarked.
Norway’s
Ambassador to Tanzania, Ms. Tone Tinnes, also underscored the private sector's
critical role in the modernization of the trade landscape. "Tanzania is
now equipped with an up-to-date trade policy aimed at enhancing its regional
and global competitiveness. The real value of this policy will be seen through
its implementation and engagement with stakeholders to address emerging
challenges," Ms. Tinnes noted.
Key
objectives of the revised policy include improving policy coherence, enhancing
domestic trade, strengthening trade integration, and building economic
resilience against global trade shocks. It also focuses on improving marketing
infrastructure, trade facilitation, e-commerce, and access to trade finance.
The policy aims to address both existing challenges and emerging opportunities,
positioning Tanzania for sustainable growth in the global trade arena.
A critical
aspect of the policy is the emphasis on establishing a coherent legal and
regulatory framework and effective institutional coordination to create a
conducive environment for trade. It seeks to integrate domestic markets,
enhance competitiveness, and support product development and diversification.
Furthermore, the policy aims to strengthen Tanzania’s participation in
bilateral, regional, and multilateral trade agreements, including the African
Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
The trade
sector is a vital contributor to Tanzania's economy, accounting for 8.7% of the
country's GDP in 2021. The revised National Trade Policy 2023 is expected to
play a pivotal role in driving Tanzania’s economic growth and improving the
well-being of its citizens by fostering a more dynamic and competitive trade
environment.
