Africa-Press – Tanzania. TANZANIA has set an ambitious goal of increasing its trade volume with Türkiye to 1 billion US dollars, a move that highlights the country’s growing focus on expanding its export base and strengthening economic ties with one of its key trade partners.
The target was announced as part of a broader strategy aimed at enhancing Tanzania’s presence in the Türkish market, with an emphasis on scaling up the production of locally made goods for export.
Speaking yesterday in Dar es Salaam during the signing of the Joint Trade Committee (JTC) between Tanzania and Türkiye, the Minister for Industry and Trade, Dr Selemani Jafo, said the plan is central to efforts to diversify trade and unlock new economic opportunities for Tanzanian producers.
“Through a team of experts and private sector involvement, we will cooperate in trade as a key gateway to opportunities. The main goal of our leaders is to increase exports,” Dr Jafo said.
Minister Jafo elaborated that the cooperation seeks to enhance the sale of Tanzanian products in Türkiye and build a strong economy through economic diplomacy.
“This target is not just symbolic it represents a commitment to transforming our trade dynamics with Türkiye,” he said.
“We are investing in our production sectors to ensure that Tanzanian goods meet the standards and demand of the Türkish market.”
According to the Minister, trade volume between the two countries reached 284 million US dollars in 2024, with Türkish exports to Tanzania accounting for 217 million US dollars.
However, this figure is still considered relatively low given the vast opportunities that exist.
Minister Jafo emphasized the need to explore all available avenues for economic development, particularly in key sectors such as manufacturing, mining, and agriculture.
“We recognise that our Turkish counterparts are highly advanced in technology, particularly in the agriculture and manufacturing sectors.
This cooperation will allow Tanzanians to benefit significantly from increased investment and will contribute meaningfully to our national development,” Minister Jafo stated.
He noted that relations between two countries have rapidly strengthened, especially since the reopening of the Türkish Embassy in Tanzania in 2009 and the establishment of Tanzania’s Embassy in Türkey in 2017.
He highlighted that highlevel visits including Türkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s visit to Tanzania and Tanzanian President Dr Samia Suluhu Hassan’s visit to Turkey in 2024 have further strengthened bilateral cooperation.
Additionally, he noted that Turkish companies have been key partners in major development projects in Tanzania, including the construction of the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR), which has created significant business opportunities and employment for Tanzanians.
“Türkish companies, particularly those involved in the SGR project, have played a crucial role in driving business that creates many opportunities for our citizens, especially in terms of employment,” Dr Jafo stated.
The Türkish Chargé d’Affaires to Tanzania, Mr Ali Goktug IPEK, reaffirmed Türkey’s commitment to deepening trade, investment, and economic cooperation, particularly in the areas of infrastructure, agriculture, energy and technology.
He stated that the Joint Trade Committee (JTC) will serve as an effective platform for eliminating barriers, streamlining processes, and boosting trade and investment between the two nations.
“The Joint Trade Committee will be a powerful platform to remove barriers, promote investments, and unlock new opportunities for both nations,” Mr Goktug IPEK said.
He further emphasized that, under the strong leadership of President Erdoğan and President Samia, Türkey and Tanzania are forging a future rooted in trust, prosperity and sustainable developmen
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