TANZANIA Trade Development Authority (TanTrade) experts must intensify efforts to identify domestic and international markets for local products, to enhance exports and improve foreign exchange earnings.

Prime Minister Kassim Majaliwa issues this instruction at the closing ceremony for the 49th Dar es Salaam International Trade Fair (DITF) at the weekend, demanding that TanTrade conducts thorough market research and share findings with businesses across the country.

“Markets are now extremely competitive. When I mentioned the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), the East African Community (EAC) and the Southern African Development Community (SADC), I was highlighting key regions where we should direct our market research and business efforts,” he stated.

 “TanTrade must carry out in-depth, evidence-based studies to determine where Tanzanian products can be sold competitively, and this information must reach our business community,” he emphasized.

He similarly appealed to local producers to prioritise investment in high demand produce for regional and global markets. “The trade exhibitions should guide you on which products are in demand, so you can increase production,” he said, citing the need to broaden market access for agricultural produce, livestock and fisheries.

Manufacturers have to produce high-standard goods that can satisfy consumers and withstand international competition, he said, insisting that local products bear the ‘Made in Tanzania’ mark,

‘This is our national identity and source of pride,” he said, instructing trade and investment regulatory agencies to reduce trade processing requirements for a more business-friendly environment. 

“These institutions should enable trade and investment, not obstruct such efforts,” he stressed, assuring exhibitors and business participants of government support to enhance trade and strategic investments, to boost economic development and public revenues.

Dr Selemani Jafo, the Industry and Trade minister, stated that over 2.4m people attended this year’s 16-day trade fair, highlighting the significance of the ‘Made in Tanzania’ label as enhancing the country’s wider trade profile.

“This mark represents national pride — it positions our products confidently in the international marketplace,” he declared.