TANZANIA is expected to benefit in infrastructure investment and other job creation openings with steel sub-sector partnerships with companies from Turkey, stakeholders say.

Boniface Ndengo, the Tanzanian Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture (TCCIA) vice president, hailed Turkey's increased interest in Tanzania's economic growth at a meeting that brought together Turkish and Tanzanian steel producers and distributors in Dar es Salaam yesterday.

Affirming that Turkey is among the largest steel producers in the world, he said that data from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) indicate that the country is among the fastest growing emerging market economies, so the partnership will increase the growth of individual and national income.

Underlining the TCCIA view that the nation has a grand vision of becoming a trade gateway for surrounding countries, he said that investment friendly policies and systems put in place by the government provide wide ranging opportunities for the private sector.

It needs to take advantage of these opportunities to make Tanzania a major canter for commercial and investment activities in eastern Africa, he said, stressing that Africa needs huge investments, especially in the area of infrastructure.

“We are grateful to the government for overseeing the implementation of major projects such as the standard gauge railway (SGR), the Julius Nyerere Hydroelectric Power Plant (JNHPP) and major bridges like the Kigongo Busisi,” he said.

Despite these measures, the demand for construction activities that require steel is still high, so collaboration with stakeholders from Turkey will boost local availability of steel products and also be part of opening up opportunities for neighboring countries, he said.

Turkey's extensive experience in steel production will further assist Tanzania in developing the sector and generating more opportunities benefiting the community and the nation as a whole, he emphasized.

Ugur Dalbeler, the Turkish Steel Manufacturers and Exporters Association vice chairman, said Tanzania was among the fastest growing economies in sub-Saharan Africa, where the potential for cooperation between Tanzania and Turkey in the steel sector is rapidly growing.

This will enhance opportunities especially in improving steel production and distribution in the country, helping to bring relief in the implementation of large projects consuming plenty of steel, he said.

Mehmet Gulluoglu, the Turkish ambassador, said the diplomatic mission will ensure that cooperation with Tanzania grows and yields mutual benefits in strengthening the economy and social development.