ZANZIBAR: ZANZIBAR is seeking to extend private-sector participation in regional trade and investment, with the government positioning the islands as a gateway to East African, African and Indian Ocean markets.
Representing Acting Minister for Trade and Industrial Development, Shariff Ali Shariff, at the East African Business Council (EABC) CEOs’ Roundtable and Invest. East Africa, Zanzibar Edition, the Permanent Secretary, Dr Habiba Hassan said the East African Community (EAC) is key to expanding trade, investment, innovation, employment and regional value chains.
“The government of Zanzibar is committed to strengthening publicprivate dialogue as we seek to unlock investment opportunities across key sectors, including tourism, the blue economy, agribusiness, fisheries, logistics, financial services, ICT and small and medium-sized enterprises,” Dr Hassan said She said Zanzibar’s ability to convert these opportunities into businesses and jobs would depend on creating a more enabling investment environment, including improved infrastructure, access to finance, skilled labour and streamlined regulations.
Dr Hassan said government cannot deliver economic transformation alone, calling for continuous engagement with businesses to identify obstacles and follow them through until practical solutions are implemented.
She also encouraged investors and businesses to look beyond Zanzibar’s domestic market and use the islands as a base for accessing wider EAC and international markets through investment, value addition and strategic partnerships.
The private sector, however, is looking for regional integration to translate into measurable improvements in the cost and ease of doing business.
ALSO READ: Private sector key to blue economy agenda
Zanzibar National Chamber of Commerce (ZNCC) Executive Director, Hamad Hamad called for stronger integration of Zanzibar’s private sector into EAC and AfCFTA opportunities, particularly through programmes focused on export readiness, digitalisation, market access and investment linkages.
He also stressed the need for investments to strengthen local value chains and create opportunities for MSMEs, youth, women and communities across Unguja and Pemba.
EABC Executive Director, Ahmed Farah said the roundtable intended to move beyond discussions by connecting specific investment opportunities with investors, financial institutions and development partners.
He identified Zanzibar’s blue economy as a major growth opportunity, alongside digital economy and artificial intelligence, tourism and logistics, health and pharmaceuticals, critical raw materials and carbon credits, and agribusiness and trade.
The discussions come as Zanzibar seeks to attract investment while ensuring that regional integration delivers tangible benefits to local businesses.
No comments :
Post a Comment