TRADE AND INDUSTRY

In recognition of the need for Tanzania entrepreneurs to respond to emerging opportunities, entrench consistency in economic liberalisation measure and reassure regional and international investment partners of the country’s potential, the Government adopted its first market –oriented National trade policy in February 2003. The fundamental Goals of this are to promote high rates of growth that are necessary for achievement of the national objectives of poverty- reduction.

To achieve that goal, the policy presents resumes of the challenges that the nation faces in responding to the opportunities for growth through trade based on integration into the Multilateral Trading System. It identifies these opportunities and examines the indicatives underway to address mitigating constraints. It highlights the selected priority sectors; lead the initiative of turning Tanzania from Least developing country to developing economy within the lifespan of the generation. This is a daunting challenge, but one that the nation and its people are willing to undertake with determination and perseverance.

National Priority in the productive sectors includes specific sub-sectors in agriculture (such as horticulture and spices), industry (agro-processing, textiles, leather), mining (mineral beneficiation such as cutting and polishing of gemstone), service (tourism and transit trade) and other natural resources based activities. Initiatives are already underway aimed at enhancing an enabling environment through expediting policy reforms including maintaining a stable macro economic framework and embarking on legal and regulatory reforms targeting simpler and better regulations. Opportunities focus on buildings on existing recourse such as adding value to uniquely available resource endowments. For instance, there is tremendous room from job creation as well as income generation through ongoing efforts of adding value to Tanzanite gemstones, here exists also a unique opportunity for investment.

Complementary sector policies are of paramount importance, hence the Government, has also approved a Small and Media Enterprises (SMEs) policy that focus on integrating micro entrepreneurs into the mainstream of economic activity. The Agricultural Sector Development Strategy and the Agricultural Sector Development Programme chart the way forward regard to measures that will unleash the dormant potential of this s3ctor in terms of trade expansion and growth.