THE government has pledged to invest heavily in maritime transport for the subsector to contribute significantly to the country’s socioeconomic development

Prof Godius Kahyarara, permanent secretary in the Ministry of Transport, said this in Dar es Salaam yesterday when speaking during the opening of the 27th meeting of the Indian Ocean Memorandum of Understanding (IOMOU) on Port State Control (PSC).

The meeting is aimed at discussing and sharing experiences on the inspection of cargo ships entering the ports of member countries.

The five-day meeting which kicks off on Monday and is to end on Friday involves participants from 13 countries namely Tanzania, Kenya, Mozambique, South Africa, Madagascar, Seychelles, India, Iran, Japan, Comoros, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, and Australia.

Prof Kahyarara said that the government has substantially invested in the ports, leading to significant reforms. 

“The reforms have notably reduced the number of ships waiting to dock from 40 to 18 per day,” he said, adding: “For us in Tanzania, the Indian Ocean is crucial because 98 percent of our foreign trade passes through it.” 

Mohamed Salum, Tanzania Shipping Agencies Corporation (TASAC) director general, noted that the corporation coordinated and organised the international meeting for Indian Ocean region.

The conference provides a platform for member countries to exchange experiences regarding ship inspections at their ports.

“Experts from around the world have come together to enhance cooperation on inspection of international ships entering our ports. The aim is to strengthen security control, protect transport vessels and maintain the aquatic environment,” he said.

IOMOU also marks its 25th anniversary since establishment of the agreement. Tanzania was among the first six countries to sign the agreement, which now includes 20 member states.

It was created to identify and eliminate substandard ships from the Indian Ocean.