DEPUTY Minister for Industry and Trade Exaud Kigae has urged traders to stop evading taxes and instead pay their dues voluntarily to stimulate development.

He emphasised that tax compliance is crucial for fostering economic growth and supporting public services.

He made the call in Babati yesterday during the inauguration of Tanzanite Manyara Fair 2024, organised by Tanzania Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture (TCCIA) with sponsorship from Mati Super Brands Limited.

“It is important to prioritise our country’s development and this is realised by paying taxes for us to implement projects. Identified taxpayers should ensure that they issue legal electronic fiscal device (EFD) receipts,” he stated.

He said the government will continue improving its education and awareness programmes to taxpayers in order to enhance voluntary tax compliance and thus expand tax base.

He emphasized products lacking a quality mark cannot be exported to other East African countries.

Regarding the trade fair, Kigae noted that such events provide valuable learning opportunities and highlighted Manyara as a strategic region for investment, making it easier to transport products

He assured attendees that the government will continue to develop policies aimed at attracting investors. The trade policy has already been revised and further improvements and new policies will be introduced to meet current demands.

 Kigae also took the opportunity to admonish Tanzania Trade Development Authority (TanTrade) for scheduling conflicting exhibitions, which prevents participation and complicates attendance for leaders.

 “Exhibition conflicts are unacceptable and should not recur. TanTrade is responsible for granting exhibition permits; how can events be scheduled to overlap?” he questioned, urging TanTrade to ensure exhibitions are productive and that organisers collaborate effectively.

Ngwandumi Mpoma, representing Mati Super Brands Limited, explained that the company employs 312 young people and sponsored the event for three consecutive years. 

Despite this, he noted that local enthusiasm for the fair remained low, and expressed hopes for increased participation in the future to benefit businesses.

TCCIA’s Executive Secretary in Manyara, Zainab Rajab, pointed out ongoing challenges in adding value to their products and expressed gratitude for the government’s continued support of business initiatives.

TCCIA National Vice President Boniface Ndengo called on the government to formalise small-scale traders and innovators. 

He urged the Ministry of Industry and Trade to designate dedicated exhibition areas in each region to avoid relocation issues, aiming to establish large strategic companies.

Babati District Commissioner Emmanuela Kaganda said that the region currently has 200 factories, most of which are small, and highlighted the need for large factories, given the abundance of raw materials.