Tanzania, SA agree to forge stronger skills exchange drive

The director general of the Export Processing Zone Authority, Dr Adelhelm Meru (right) briefs South Africa’s deputy minister for Trade and Industry, Ms Elizabeth Thabethe (centre) and South African High Commissioner to Tanzania, Mr Thanduyise Chiliza (left).  The South African delegation visited EPZA yesterday. PHOTO | COURTESY OF EPZA 

By The Citizen Reporter

In Summary

• The move, which was announced when South African delegation comprising senior government officials visited Tanzania’s Export Processing Zone Authority (EPZA) yesterday, will further strengthen bilateral business and investment relations between the two influential Southern African Development Community (Sadc) member states.

Dar es Salaam. Tanzania and South Africa have agreed to form working groups -- one in each country -- for the purpose of strengthening their Export Processing Zone authorities (EPZs) between the two.

The move, which was announced when South African delegation comprising senior government officials visited Tanzania’s Export Processing Zone Authority (EPZA) yesterday, will further strengthen bilateral business and investment relations between the two influential Southern African Development Community (Sadc) member states.

The delegation, led by the country’s deputy minister for Trade and Industry, Ms Elizabeth Thabethe, met EPZA senior officials and had an opportunity to learn about the authority through presentations, discussions and a tour to the respective zones.

The director general of EPZA, Dr Adelhelm Meru, said Tanzania has a lot to learn from South Africa, which is the strongest economy in the continent, particularly in EPZ management.

“We’ve agreed to form working groups in each country so that we can strengthen our cooperation and learn from each other in this area of investment,” Dr Meru said.

He noted that SA has agreed to help Tanzania look for investors in EPZA areas, especially in agricultural products value addition, mineral processing, and light assembling plants among others.

For her part, Ms Thabethe said South Africa and Tanzania have come a long way and should strengthen cooperation between them for the welfare of people of both countries.

“It is through economic cooperation between African countries that our continent will attain sustainable development,” she said, adding that intra Africa trade was a way forward for the continent.

She said South Africa also has a lot to learn from Tanzania.

The Tanzania High Commissioner to South Africa, Ms Radhia Msuya, who was present at the meeting said cooperation between the two would bring best results and mutual benefits for both countries.