Dar es Salaam – July 25, 2012
TradeMark Africa ( TMA ) has today handed over to Tanzania Chamber of Commerce Agriculture and Industry, TCCIA 39 Desktop, 39 Smart UPS, 5 Scanner, 20 Printers, 1 Photocopier, 2 Dell Laptops, a server and related software worth 167m Tanzania Shillings to (TCCIA) to operationalize the SMS-based NTB reporting mechanism as well as strengthening and improving communication and reporting of Non-Tariff Barriers (NTBs) by all TCCIA regional offices.
The provision of equipment is part of a four year program of support by TradeMark Africa (TMA) to the tune of US$ 1 million to strengthen TCCIA’s role as the private sectors’ focal point on non-tariff barriers (NTBs) in Tanzania and supporting the chamber to play a leadership role in advocating for the removal of NTBs that seriously hinders the promotion of intra-regional trade.
The NTB online monitoring and reporting system will be administered by the Chamber staff both at national level and in the regions. TCCIA is the focal point for the private sector in Tanzania on NTBs and represents the private sector in the NTB National Monitoring Committee (NMC).
Paulina Elago, TradeMark Africa (TMA) Country Director said:“TradeMark Africa (TMA) will be supporting TCCIA over the next four years to strengthen the capacity of the chamber to play a leadership role in advocating removal of NTBs in Tanzania. TCCIA is a key partner in the promotion of intra-regional trade in the EAC.”
In his handing over remarks, David Stanton, TradeMark Africa (TMA)’s Deputy CEO Country Programmes said:
“TCCIA plays an important role in creating an enabling environment for businesses to grow in Tanzania. As the region continues to consolidate on the gains made through the customs union and common market protocol, trade has been growing in the region and this will have a positive effect on the welfare of East African citizens.”
He further said: “TradeMark Africa (TMA) seeks to develop capacities to input into the regional integration process, particularly with regard to research and advocacy skills and in trade negotiations, both of which are key deficits for civil society and the private sector.”
TradeMark Africa (TMA) is a multi-donor organization currently supported in Tanzania by the UK Department for International Development (DFID) and Swedish Development Agency (SIDA) to promote regional trade and economic integration in East Africa.
TradeMark Africa (TMA) has developed a programme on private sector and civil society (PSO/CSO) which supports evidence-based advocacy that helps define priorities for trade, competitiveness and social welfare to enable dialogue and advocacy deliberations. The programme also tracks the progress of institutional and policy implementation in the region.

Find out more about Trademark East Africa.

NOTES FOR EDITORS

To arrange for interviews please contact :

Paulina Elago
Country Director
Phone: +255 (0)782 966 665
Email: paulina.elago@trademarkea.com

Source: TradeMark Africa(TMA)

TradeMark Africa (TMA) is an aid-for-trade organisation that was established with the aim of growing prosperity in East Africa through increased trade. TradeMark Africa (TMA) operates on a not-for-profit basis and is funded by the development agencies of the following countries: Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Finland, the Netherlands, UK, and USA. TradeMark Africa (TMA) works closely with East African Community (EAC) institutions, national governments, the private sector and civil society organisations.