DAR ES SALAAM: AS Romanian President Klaus Werner Iohannis arrives today for a four-day state visit, economic experts have shared their views on how Tanzania can boost its exports to the southeastern European country.
In separate interviews with the ‘Daily News’ on Wednesday, economic experts in the country recommended that Tanzania should focus on producing goods that are in high demand in Romania to attract the market.
Dr Hildebrand Shayo, an economist and investment banker, emphasised that Tanzania has potential areas for the production of goods that are highly needed in Romania.
Dr Shayo stated that it is noteworthy that Tanzania, through the Ministry of Agriculture, is currently making substantial investments in the cultivation of strategic crops such as tobacco and cashews, which can attract investors in processing industries.
“Tanzania could focus on producing goods that Romania does not manufacture due to climatic limitations,” he advised.
Speaking about why Romania’s exports to Tanzania remain higher, Dr Shayo explained that the country possesses greater technology and experience in the manufacturing sector, particularly in machinery and spare parts.
Dr Isaac Safari, a lecturer at Saint Augustine University of Tanzania (SAUT), emphasised the need for Tanzania to add value to various products when exporting to Romania instead of exporting raw materials.
“We need to see the importance of improving product quality, adding value to our products in order to compete effectively and increase the value of our exports,” he insisted.
Furthermore, Dr Safari suggested that understanding Romanian culture and interests would also help identify products to produce and enhance both the value and volume of exports.
He highlighted areas such as tourism, culture, and fresh meat as potential avenues for trade between Tanzania and Romania.
“In today’s competitive world, being vigilant is crucial. If we are not careful, other countries may seize our market share,” explained Dr Safari.
Among the products currently exported from Tanzania to Romania are raw tobacco, fish fillets, and wood and wooden products.
The statement issued on Wednesday by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation stated that Tanzania and Romania established diplomatic ties in 1964, focusing on the education and health sectors, particularly providing scholarships for Tanzanian students.
To strengthen this relationship, in 2018, both countries signed an Agreement on Political and Diplomatic Consultations.
Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation Minister January Makamba will receive President Iohannis and his delegation today at the Julius Nyerere International Airport (JNIA).
The statement further noted that the official reception for President Iohannis will be held at the State House in Dar es Salaam tomorrow, where he will be welcomed by his host, President Dr Samia Suluhu Hassan.
After the reception, the two leaders will engage in private discussions and later participate in formal talks on the relations between Tanzania and Romania.
Additionally, both leaders will witness the signing of agreements between Tanzania and Romania in sectors such as agriculture, livestock, forestry, food, and emergency response.
They will also address the media to highlight the key outcomes of their discussions.
During his stay, President Iohannis and his delegation will visit Zanzibar and hold talks with the President of Zanzibar, Dr Hussein Ali Mwinyi.
On Saturday this week, they will explore tourist attractions, including the historic Stone Town.
The visit underscores the efforts of the Sixth Phase Government in actively implementing economic diplomacy.
Source : Daily News
