IN the wake of the planned strike by Kariakoo traders, the Tanzania Private Sector Foundation (TPSF) is urging traders across the country to channel their concerns through their respective trade associations, paving the way for more effective and constructive solutions.

This appeal was made in a statement released by TPSF Chief Executive Officer Raphael Maganga.

He stated that efforts are underway to engage various trade associations, including the Tanzania Business Association and the Tanzania Chamber of Commerce, Industry, and Agriculture (TCCIA). While initially unaware of the planned strike, these associations are now prepared to advocate for traders' concerns in Dodoma as Parliament discusses the Financial Bill.

“We urge all traders in the country to continue with their business schedules while the discussion on the Financial Bill continues in parliament. However, we ask them to present their challenges to the associations so that these issues can be addressed,” he said.

He further emphasized that the foundation recognizes the importance of human rights and equality in taxation, which encourages people to pay taxes. He urged people to stop circulating irrelevant content on social media that could threaten the business environment.

“I urge all government institutions to ensure that they perform their roles effectively to address the prevailing challenges faced by traders.”

He added, “We want to inform the public and businessmen in the country that business associations, under their umbrella along with TPSF, continue their task of presenting the submitted opinions on the private sector in parliament to reform the tax collection system.”

Additionally, he asked traders to continue paying taxes on time to avoid unnecessary inconveniences.

Furthermore, discussions between business associations, the Tanzania Revenue Authority (TRA) Commissioner, and the Minister of Finance are underway, according to the statement.

The statement also indicated that on June 23, 2024, TPSF received information that went viral on social media, highlighting that Kariakoo market traders had planned an indefinite strike by shutting down their businesses. This strike was scheduled to commence the previous day, although the source of the message remains unknown.

In December last year, a law reform window was opened to strategically receive opinions on law reforms, rules, and tax laws. Through this window, TPSF, via business associations, received multiple opinions, including concerns about the closure of business accounts, withdrawal of money from business accounts, over-taxation, and delayed audits causing over tax accumulations. These challenges threaten the business environment.