THE European Union (EU) trade relations with Tanzania remain strong despite UK exit, the EU Managing Director for Africa, Ambassador Koen Vervaeke said in Dar es Salaam yesterday.

He said after the UK exit, the trade volume between Tanzania and EU will be affected to a certain extent, but then UK has to define its position vis a vis EU as part of the negotiations that will also affect its relations with other countries.

Tanzania is a large recipient of EU aid, channelled through the European Development Fund (EDF) to among others, advocating pro-poor growth and improving economic governance and business climate.

“EU is a traditional partner of Tanzania and has accompanied for decades and hope to continue building confident and strong relationship for a win-win situation,” he said.

He said some positive things are being witnessed in the country, particularly the fight against corruption, efforts to industrialise and lift masses from abject poverty. “EU is fully and strongly supporting the industrialisation drive that will impact on job creation and robust economic growth,” he said.

On Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA), he said there is hope to conclude it soon, although Tanzania was still reflecting on it but EU is really convinced that the treaty is an opportunity for Africa and Tanzania to capitalise.

On his part, the EU Head of Delegation to Tanzania and East Africa Community (EAC) Ambassador Roeland Van De Geer said there are healthy trade relations between Tanzania and the EU.

He said the value of trade between Tanzania and EU is on the tune of 2 billion US dollars, while China is around 5 billion US dollars per annum, but with EU there is more balance of trade than others.

Source: All Africa

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