The trade volume between Tanzania and Pakistan has increased to US$301 million in 2023 from US$224 million recorded in 2022.

Pakistan High Commissioner to Tanzania Siraj Ahmad Khan provided the statistics in Dar es Salaam on Monday, ahead of the country’s 78th Independence Day.

During 2022, Tanzania had a large net trade with Pakistan in the exports of Vegetable Products ($54.5M), Textiles ($31.9M), and Metals ($7.87M), according to Observatory of Economic Complexity (OEC) website. 

He said Pakistan has become an important trading partner for Tanzania, particularly in textiles, electrical and electronics parts; industrial products; machinery; bull-dozers and tractors.

The envoy said the establishment of a Tanzania-Pakistan Business Council has facilitated closer commercial ties, benefiting entrepreneurs and businesses on both sides. 

“As our country celebrates 78th Independence Day, today, let us celebrate the enduring friendship between Pakistan and Tanzania and renew our commitment to working together for a brighter and more prosperous future for both countries. As both countries continue to progress and face new challenges in the 21st century, I am confident that this partnership will become stronger in the years to come,” he said.

Khan said that educational exchanges have also played a significant role in promoting people-people contacts.

He said Pakistan has been contributing towards the development of health sector in Tanzania, adding that Pakistani doctors and healthcare professionals have been playing their positive role in this regard.

The two countries are working to further enhance cooperation in the health sector, including in pharmaceuticals. 

Furthermore, Tanzanian students have always been welcomed in Pakistani universities and institutions, contributing to the knowledge exchange between the two societies. 

“As Pakistan looks towards the future, it is important for both countries to continue to build on the strong foundation of friendship and cooperation that exists between them. The partnership between the two countries has the potential to further strengthen peace and stability in the region and to promote economic growth and prosperity for both nations,” he said.

The envoy said Pakistan and Tanzania have also collaborated effectively on regional and international platforms, advocating for shared interests and concerns.

Both countries have a history of supporting each other's positions on global issues, ranging from peacekeeping efforts to climate change initiatives. Their alignment on these matters has bolstered their partnership and reinforced their commitment to working together for a better world.

He said the two countries have maintained good cooperation in sharing expertise and technical know-how to assist and complement each other.

Also, Pakistan has provided institutional capacity building training programs to Tanzanian diplomats, bankers, railways, postal as well as armed forces officers.

Pakistan established its High Commission in Tanzania in 1967 and opening of commercial section has been approved by the government to enhance bilateral trade relations.

Other Pakistan’s exports to Tanzania mainly include cement and rice, while imports of Pakistan from Tanzania mainly include tea, raw cotton, tobacco, edible oils and tanning materials and with a lot of potential to explore.