Members of the Tanzanian business community have been urged to seek more business partners in the forthcoming Indonesian trade exhibition in an attempt to make the East African country become a ‘preferred investment destination’.

Speaking in an exclusive interview with The Guardian in Dare es Salaam on Wednesday, Desdery Lutta of Multi-Business said Tanzania is an emerging economy with high growth potential.

“Let us make it an ideal move to visit Trade Expo Indonesia (TEI) slated for October, as an attempt to not only make Tanzania a preferred destination for FDI, but also a transaction fostering centre for the two countries,” he said.

Lutta recommended trade authorities in Tanzania, to make use of this opportunity by connecting the businesspeople with foreign investors as well as advertising the country’s investment potentials abroad.

“We have many business lobbies in Tanzania such as Tanzania Trade Development Authority (TanTrade), Tanzania Investment Centre (CTI), Tanzania Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture (TCCIA). It is upon them to make sure that they live to their mission so as to contribute to the country’s emerging economy,” Lutta said.

Lutta further said that if the Indonesian businesses would be attracted into Tanzania, they would help in job creation as well as supply genuine products.

According to information available at the Indonesian Embassy to Tanzania, the forthcoming fair will carry the theme dubbed ‘Trade with Remarkable Indonesia’ and would be hosted by the Indonesian Ministry of Trade.

The TEI 2012 will feature a wide range of export products that have added value with the nation's best brands.

Besides, TEI also offers services such as a product of skilled labour that meets international standards.

The statement quoted TEI Director General of Export Development, Gusmardi Bustami as saying: “This fair is one of the government's efforts to continue increasing exports, so as to contribute more in improving the country's economy.”

TEI operation, aims at maintain and improve national export performance to the traditional countries, as well as put more effort to increase diversification of export markets to non-traditional countries, such those of Asia, Africa, Middle East and Latin America.

The products to be displayed at the TEI 2012, will include automotive components, cocoa, coffee, palm oil, electrical equipment, footwear, furniture, rubber and rubber products, textiles and textile products.

The fair will be held at Jakarta International Expo (JIExpo) and is expected to draw over 2,000 exhibitors who in turn would attract more than 6,000 international buyers.