Dar es Salaam, Tanzania — The Deputy Minister for Industry and Trade, Patrobas Katambi, has urged the East Africa Commercial and Logistics Centre (EACLC) to deepen partnerships with foreign traders who introduce advanced technologies and specialised skills not yet available locally, as a way of empowering Tanzanian youth and accelerating business growth.
Katambi made the remarks during a tour and the official opening of the inaugural EACLC Business Exhibition held at Ubungo in Dar es Salaam. He highlighted EACLC’s strategic role in promoting trade development, facilitating knowledge transfer and strengthening Tanzania’s integration into regional and global markets.
Leveraging Exhibitions for Innovation and Market Expansion
The Deputy Minister encouraged local entrepreneurs to fully utilise the exhibition platform to boost innovation, access new markets and improve the quality of Tanzanian products. He noted that such platforms are essential for enhancing productivity and competitiveness in both regional and international trade.
“Exhibitions like this provide a critical opportunity for businesses to innovate, learn and position themselves for global markets,” Katambi said.
Government Reforms to Improve the Business Climate
Speaking on the Government’s efforts to improve the business environment, Katambi revealed that 66 policies, laws and regulations have been amended, while over 380 fees, charges and fines that burdened traders have been reduced or removed to attract both local and foreign investment.
Strengthening Economic Diplomacy
Katambi commended EACLC Limited for organising the exhibition, which has brought together more than 200 exhibitors and is expected to attract at least 1,000 visitors. He said the initiative supports the Sixth-Phase Government’s drive to strengthen economic diplomacy and position Tanzania as a regional trade hub for East, Central and Southern Africa.
He further urged exhibitors to use the exhibition days to build strong business networks, secure mutually beneficial partnerships and refine their products to meet international standards, stressing that sustainable industrial growth requires close collaboration between the public and private sectors.
EACLC’s Vision for Trade and Logistics Growth
For her part, EACLC Limited Managing Director, Cathy Wang, said the exhibition is aimed at strengthening trade-support infrastructure — including warehousing, office facilities, exhibition spaces and logistics services — while creating direct links between traders and customers to enhance product visibility and unlock new investment opportunities.