TANZANIA GETS ADDITIONAL SUPPORT ON THE ROAD TO REGIONAL INTEGRATION

Dar es Salaam – September 15, 2011
Today the Government of the United Republic of Tanzania, represented by the Acting Permanent Secretary Ministry of Finance (MoF), Dr. Servasius B. Likwelile signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Frank Matsaert, the Chief Executive Officer of TradeMark Africa (TMA). The MoU outlines commitment by TradeMark Africa (TMA) to provide US$ 56 million, between 2011 and 2015 to deliver support through, financial aid, technical, capacity building and logistical support to Tanzania aimed at promoting regional integration and trade competitiveness.

In delivering this support TradeMark Africa (TMA) aims to assist Tanzania through:

A reduction in cross border transit, transport and related costs along the key corridors in East Africa.
Supporting Ministries, Agencies and other Departments (MDAs) to substantially increase the implementation of a comprehensive framework for regional integration
Engaging private sector and civil society to positively influence regional integration policies and practices for growth in trade.

As stated by the Acting Permanent Secretary Ministry of Finance, Dr Servasius B. Likwelile, The Government of the Republic of Tanzania is grateful for this support that promotes Tanzania’s trade competitiveness and focuses on key infrastructure projects that will make will improve trade facilitation in Tanzania.

TradeMark Africa (TMA) will support Tanzania’s integration into the EAC by implementing programs that will lead to removal of barriers to intra regional trade through reduction in transport time and costs, speeding up border crossings, strengthening policy making and implementation of the EAC protocols, particularly the Common Market. As well, working closely with governments, private sector and civil society, TradeMark Africa (TMA) programs will seek to improve trade facilitation and promoting market linkages within the region.

In his Statement TradeMark Africa (TMA) CEO, Frank Matsaert, said “The signing of the MoU marks long term partnership between TradeMark Africa and the Government of Tanzania to promote regional integration and competitiveness in Tanzania that would lead to Tanzania’s trade competitiveness and increase its profile as an investment destination within the East African Community.”

Currently the Tanzania Country program is funded by UK (DFID) (£18m) and Swedish International Development Agency, SIDA SK30m (equivalent to £2.8m).

Tanzania’s country program will focus on the following key areas of support:

Establishment of four One Stop Border Posts (OSBPs) including the design and implementation of Integrated Border Management Systems (IBM) at Tunduma, Kabanga, Mutukula and Holili
Improving efficiency at the port of Dar-es-Salaam
Harmonization of regional standard and market surveillance of EAC standards
Support to the NTB National Monitoring Committee
Strengthen national capacity for policy making, negotiations and implementation.
Support PSO and CSO advocacy, dialogue and engagement on regional integration.
Private sector and civil society organisations communication and social marketing of regional integration
Raising awareness of the benefits and opportunities to be derived by Tanzanians from regional Integration through an effective communication strategy.
Strengthening capacities of Transport Corridor Authorities in Tanzania
Automated system for secure electronic transit (ASSET)

Ultimately the program seeks to improve Tanzania’s trade competitiveness through higher investment, increased intra regional trade, improved trade facilitation and lower transport costs.

NOTES FOR EDITORS

To arrange for interviews please contact :

Paulina Elago
Country Director, TradeMark Africa (TMA) Tanzania
Tel: +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.