Trade Mark East Africa (TMA) has promised to work on a request by Zanzibar government to facilitate the flow of products from the isle to the East African markets without obstacles.
TMA country Director, Mr John Ulanga said that his office takes the matter seriously and that it will make sure Zanzibar products enter the East African markets without problems.
He admitted that there have been low turnout of Zanzibar traders in various trade exhibitions, which involve East African countries and that it has been difficult to promote Zanzibar products at international level.
The TMA boss was responding to the plea from Zanzibar Minister for Trade, Industries and Marketing Amina Salum Ally who visited TMA head offices in Dar es Salaam. She asked TMA to promote Zanzibar products to Tanzania mainland and other East African countries. She said Zanzibar products must be consumed as products from Tanzania once they enter into East African and International markets.
“I would like to ask TMA to clear the way for products from Zanzibar into East African market and beyond,” she said. She added that for Tanzania to realize industrial development, both Zanzibar and Tanzania mainland must participate and benefit from businesses “We can only move forward and realize industrial development by opening markets for products from both sides and manage to penetrate into international markets, this will help to attract investors in Zanzibar and other areas” she said.
The TMA boss said his office will work on the matter and make sure Zanzibar participates in various trade and business activities. Recently TMA offered 200bn/- to Tanzania Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture (TCCIA) and Zanzibar National Chamber of Commerce Industry and Agriculture (ZNCCIA) for building capacity among its people.
TMA is an East African not-for profit Company Limited by guarantee established in 2010 to support the growth of trade – both regional and international – in East Africa. The company is focused on ensuring gains from trade results in tangible gains for East Africans.
Source: Kitomari Banking & Finance Blog

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of TradeMark Africa.