DODOMA: THE Minister for Finance, Khamis Mussa Omar, has said that Tanzania holds a strategic position as a hub for trade and transport in the East and Central Africa region, with its geography and natural resources offering major economic opportunities that must be fully and efficiently utilized.
The Minister made the statement in a meeting with the Customs and Excise Department of the Tanzania Revenue Authority (TRA) and praised its operations in managing cargo entering and passing through the country, noting that these efforts have significantly contributed to tax collection.
Speaking during his visit to the Customs Department, he said that the department’s activities play a vital role in revenue collection across all sectors, as even goods brought into the market pass through the customs system.
Elaborating, he said that the customs department facilitates trade both domestically and internationally while calling on strengthening measures against smuggling.
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He warned that cargo cleared without proper payment of duties ends up in the market untaxed, reducing government revenue and distorting market competition.
Moreover, the minister stated that Tanzania benefits from a seaport through the Port of Dar es Salaam, which allows it to serve not only neighboring countries but also several landlocked nations.
Speaking earlier, the TRA Board Chairman, Uledi Mussa Abasi, noted that the use of Tanzania’s ports has increased due to improved services and that the authority has been making efforts to enhance tax systems.
Meanwhile, TRA Commissioner General Yusuph Juma Mwenda said the authority is ready to keep pace with the growing volume of cargo at the Port of Dar es Salaam by ensuring faster and more efficient cargo clearance.
Mr Mwenda said that the initiative to provide 24-hour services is part of a strategy to increase productivity, reduce unnecessary delays at the port and border posts, simplify trade processes, and enhance the competitiveness of Tanzania’s ports.