ARUSHA Regional Commissioner, John Mongella has reaffirmed his commitment to partner with the private sector to drive economic growth.

Hosting the East African Business Council (EABC) Chief Executive Officer John Kalisa midweek, Mr Mongella said his office was ever ready to join efforts with the private sector in pushing for the regional growth.

“We are ever mindful of the importance of the private sector in the economic growth, with Arusha being a tourism hub, we are therefore ready to partner with EABC in driving such an important agenda,” the regional commissioner assured.

Mr Mongella further commended the regional business council for luring investments into the EAC region, calling upon EABC to showcase investment opportunities in Arusha to East African investors.

In his quick rejoinder, the EABC boss acknowledged Tanzania’s efforts under the stewardship of President Samia Suluhu Hassan for unlocking trade barriers.

Mr Kalisa was categorical that it was during President Samia’s tenure that has seen cross-border trade between Tanzania and neighboring countries rising.

According to the EABC boss, Tanzania’s exports to Kenya doubled to $182.6 million in the first half of 2021 while between January and October of last year, Kenya imports from Tanzania reached $399.2 million while exports clocked $320.5 million.

He equally appreciated the regional commissioner’s office for its support towards a number of EABC events which were held last year.

They include the East African YouLead Summit, Arusha CEO Round Table, East African Tourism Expo and the Parliamentary Forum on EAC Affairs.

During his courtesy call to the regional commissioner, Mr Kalisa also shared an EABC outlook for 2022 and requested support from the former on the areas in a bid to promote business and investments in Arusha and EAC region at large.

EABC is the regional apex body of private sector associations and Corporates from the six East African countries.

It was established in 1997 to foster the interests of the private sector in the integration process of the East African Community.

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