PM leads in first US bilateral business forum

By Guardian Reporter , The Guardian
Published at 10:11 AM Sep 30 2024
Prime Minister Kassim Majaliwa (C, standing) and the Minister of State in the President’s Office Planning and Investment), Prof Kitila Mkumbo (3rd-L, standing), and senior officials of CRDB Bank, the US International Development Finance Corporation (DFC)
Photo: Guardian Correspondent
Prime Minister Kassim Majaliwa (C, standing) and the Minister of State in the President’s Office Planning and Investment), Prof Kitila Mkumbo (3rd-L, standing), and senior officials of CRDB Bank, the US International Development Finance Corporation (DFC)

PRIME Minister Kassim Majaliwa has extensively profiled the country’s numerous opportunities that can entice any American company to invest in Tanzania,

Launch the Tanzania-US business and investment forum on Thursday in New York, he set the case for Tanzania as an ideal destination for businesses, not easy to overlook on the continental stage.

He cited reliable economic policies, a peaceful and stable environment, the country’s geographical position, the presence of large markets, a youthful workforce and digital infrastructure.

Other factors include a modern communication networks, a diverse economy, good governance, and a fair tax system, making it an appealing destination for foreign investments, he said.

He pointed at the long-standing ties between the two countries extend across half a century and beyond, asserting that for more than two decades, average economic growth rates hovered close to 7 percent, with a low inflation rate averaging 3.8percent up to December 2023.

“The IMF estimates that at this growth rate, Tanzania will have the largest economy in East Africa by 2028, he said, emphasizing that the country’s business environment is predictable, transparent and safeguarded against asset nationalisation.

This allows investors to repatriate profits after paying taxes, he specified, pointing at the country’s strategic location, sharing borders with eight countries, offering excellent business opportunities, with potential of a regional trade hub.

He similarly noted that Tanzania has a domestic market of over 62m people and can access markets of more than 500m people through regional communities such as the Southern Africa Development Community (SADC) and the East African Community (EAC).

Tanzania’s population is significantly made up of young people, providing ample labour supported by investments in education, he stated, pointing out that a number of US firms are working in areas operated by the Export Processing Zones Authority (EPZA).

They are operating Tanchoice Ltd, Kibidula Farm Ltd, Africado Ltd, Full Cocoa Ltd and Next Gen Solawazi Ltd, having a combined investment of $31.51m which created 866 jobs, the premier affirmed.

“These companies export products valued at $28.6m annually, primarily to North America, Europe, the Middle East and South Africa. They have invested in processing meat, avocados and cocoa, as well as solar power generation,” he explained.

The minister had earlier stated that the government is committed to foster an enabling environment attracting investors and strengthen economic relations with development partners worldwide, including the United States.