Africa-Press – Tanzania. THE Fair Competition Commission (FCC) is planning to open zonal offices in a grand move to enhance the commission’s capacity to fight against the spread of counterfeit goods.
The plan was unveiled by the FCC Director General Mr William Erio saying they are eyeing opening offices in Mwanza, Mbeya, Arusha and Tanga, being an additional to the current offices in Dar es Salaam and Dodoma.
He noted that the reason behind establishing more zonal offices is to enable FCC control of all borders that are likely to be the main entrance of counterfeit goods.
“We shall also have a close eye on land, sea and air boundaries,” said Mr Erio during the ongoing exhibitions of the ongoing 45th Dar es Salaam International Trade Fair (DITF).
According to him, the commission would place its officers at all border posts for effective control, and that the new zonal offices are expected to simplify the task.
“The zonal office in Mbeya would be strategic points for goods coming from Zambia, Malawi and Mozambique while the Mwanza, Arusha and Tanga zones will serve for the neighboring countries in the northern part,” he explained.
Since the fight of counterfeit goods is a cross-cutting phenomenon, the FCC boss went on to call for a stakeholder support on the matter.
He thus, asked product manufactures to support the government efforts by conducting surveys to ensure their registered goods are in the market.
Expounding further, Mr Erio said the successful fight of counterfeit goods will enable the country and the government to collect reasonable tax from genuine products and be in a position to implement development projects.
He also noted that the commission is working hard to adopt modern technologies that will help to curb challenges caused by the advancement of technology in curbing the existence of counterfeit products.
