Private sector business investors representing a variety of companies from Belgium, Greece, and Italy attended a business forum hosted by the Tanzania Investment Center (TIC) yesterday, 11th November.
The forum focused on fostering trade and foreign investment, particularly in agriculture and agribusiness.
Dr. Mary Nagu, Minister of State in the Prime Minister’s Office for Investment and Empowerment, spoke at the event about opportunities for high returns from agriculture and agroprocessing, and the importance of elevating Europe and Tanzania’s strong friendship to an even higher level for mutual benefits.
Dr. A. Meru, Director General of the Export Processing Zones Authority (EPZA), gave a presentation on investment opportunities in the EPZA and Special Economic Zone (SEZ).
The EPZA is an autonomous Government agency that operates under the Ministry of Industry and Trade, responsible for promoting SEZs in Tanzania.
Dr. Meru’s presentation highlighted opportunities in manufacturing and processing, discussed the highly competitive tax rates available to investors in Tanzania, and reviewed upcoming SEZ projects in Bagamoyo, Kigoma, Mtwara and Dar es Salaam.
Also in attendance were the Belgian and Italian Ambassadors to Tanzania, Koenraad Adam and Luigi Scotto, respectively, and key players from Tanzania’s business, investment and trade sectors; TIC, the Export Processing Zones Authority, and the Tanzania Trade Development Authority.
Between 2000 and 2013 the TIC has registered 28 projects from Greece worth 51.2 million USD, 33 projects from Belgium worth 150.9 million USD, and 121 projects from Italy worth 205 million USD.