Economic diplomacy boosts Tanzania’s global trade ties

Dar es Salaam. President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s economic diplomacy policy continues to gain traction, with the Tanzania Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture (TCCIA) championing efforts to expand trade and investment ties abroad.

TCCIA president Mr Vincent Bruno Minja was recently part of a high-level delegation to Vietnam, led by the minister for Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation, Mr Mahamud Thabit Kombo.

Mr Minja, who also led the TCCIA delegation during a visit to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in April, said the missions had opened up new markets for Tanzanian commodities, including agricultural produce and rare earth minerals.

“The private sector is now taking the lead in steering the country towards a competitive global economy. It is the responsibility of every businessperson, investor and citizen to seize these opportunities presented by President Hassan’s economic diplomacy agenda,” Mr Minja said upon arrival from Vietnam.

He said the delegations not only helped to identify new markets but also attracted investors from Arab and Asian countries to Tanzania, particularly in the agriculture and mining sectors. 

“Agreements signed between TCCIA and partners in the UAE, as well as in Vietnam, are clear evidence that Tanzania is boldly stepping onto global trade and investment platforms,” he said.

Mr Minja noted that both the public and private sectors have lessons to draw from countries like Vietnam and the UAE, which have transitioned to middle-income status. He challenged local entrepreneurs to tap into opportunities available in the markets.

“Under President Hasan, now is the time to rise, collaborate, and unlock the doors of economic success for our nation,” he said, commending Minister Kombo and the director of economic diplomacy,

Ambassador John Ulanga, for their support. Since assuming office in March 2021, President Hassan has been actively advancing an economic diplomacy strategy aimed at positioning Tanzania as a competitive player in global trade and investment.

“As a country, we must compete on the global stage, which is why my government is pushing forward with the economic diplomacy policy,” President Hassan said when she appointed Ambassador Ulanga to oversee the initiative more than a year ago.

President Hassan has been at the forefront of international engagements, undertaking official visits abroad and starring in The Royal Tour documentary to promote tourism.

“We must work as a team—public and private sectors together. Tanzanians need to be bold in pursuing global trade and investment opportunities,” she said.

As a result of the policy, trade and investment flows between Tanzania and other countries have more than doubled, while international tourist arrivals reached 2.2 million in the year ending February 2025, according to the Bank of Tanzania.

The government has also continued to invest in Air Tanzania Company Limited (ATCL) to support the policy, with the national carrier launching direct cargo and passenger flights to destinations in the Middle East and Asia.

“All of this is being done to stimulate economic growth through trade, investment, and tourism,” said Minister Kombo upon his return from Vietnam. He noted that Tanzanians could learn a great deal from Vietnam which is one of Asia’s fast-growing economies.

“President Hassan’s government has opened up new trade gateways beyond our borders to drive economic growth, create jobs, and empower local enterprises,” Mr Kombo added, applauding TCCIA for taking the lead in leveraging the government’s economic diplomacy policy.

During the visits to the UAE and Vietnam, memoranda of understanding were signed between TCCIA and its counterparts. Joint business councils were also established to foster strategic cooperation and strengthen trade relations.

“In the case of the UAE, the council will serve as an official platform for dialogue between Tanzanian and Emirati business communities. It is expected to ease market access for Tanzanian goods across the Gulf and Middle Eastern regions, where demand is both large and consistent,” TCCIA said in a statement issued after the April visit.

In addition to attracting tourists and investors, the partnerships are expected to increase imports of intermediate goods and machinery—including agricultural equipment—from manufacturers in both the UAE and Vietnam.

“Vietnam is one of Asia’s industrial powerhouses, producing agricultural equipment and electronics,” Mr Kombo noted, adding that Viettel, the parent company of Tanzania’s Halotel, originates from Vietnam.