Tanzania Daily News (Dar es Salaam)

Mwanza — TANZANIANS have been urged to buy locally-made products to boost the economy.

This was said here on Tuesday evening by the Permanent Secretary in the East African Co-operation Ministry, Dr Stergomena Tax Bamwenda at the official opening of the East African Trade Fair at Saba Saba grounds on the outskirts of Mwanza City.

She said that it is high time for Tanzanians and the other members of the East African Community (EAC) to be proud of their products.

"The East African people should be proud of what they produce instead of buying goods from abroad", she said.

She said that there has been a notion by majority of the local people that buying imported goods was a sign of wealth.

"We need to change this mindset as products from East Africa are of superior quality", she said.

Dr Bamwenda said that the government was aware of the challenges facing the local manufacturers which include poor management and packaging.

She said that the East African market has 130 million consumers who could make an

impact on the economies of the respective countries if they choose to buy locally made products.

"Let you know that we are facing a challenge of competition but we have to prepare for that and march on", she said.

She also used the opportunity to clarify on the EAC Common Market fear that some weaker economies will be the early victims of the partnership.

"Why should we fear? There are equal opportunities and regulations that guide all member states on this, she said.

She said that there was also no need to worry for the scarce employment opportunities available, as there are laws that govern working permits and movement of people at the region.

On his part, the Chairman of the regional Tanzania Chamber of Commerce, Industries and Agriculture (TCCIA),Mr Joseph Kahungwa said that the exhibition was aimed at bringing together manufacturers from the East African block.

"Mwanza is a strategic market and area for doing business. So, my appeal to the East Africans is that let we not waste this opportunity", he said.

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