Dar es Salaam. The government of Pakistan is targeting to increase trade with Tanzania from $224 million to more than $400 million in the next two years.
Pakistan High Commissioner to Tanzania Siraj Ahmad Khan said Pakistan’s priority is to boost trade volume between the two countries through bilateral trade.
He was speaking at the commemoration of the 76th Pakistan Independence Day.
He said one of the key issues discussed when he presented his accreditation to President Samia Suluhu Hassan was how to further bilateral trade.
“I am only four months in Tanzania as a Pakistan High Commissioner. My hope and vision is to double trade volume and value for both countries. I met with the Minister for Foreign Affairs to discussed ways and means to further enhance cooperation, not only in trade but also in defense, culture and education,” he said.
According to the diplomat, the two countries have realised the significance of trade and economic collaboration thus, bilateral trade has steadily increased and bilateral trade has grown steadily, reaching $224 million in 2021/22.
“Pakistan has become an important trading partner for Tanzania, particularly in textiles, surgical, sports goods and agricultural products. The establishment of a Joint Business Council has facilitated closer commercial ties, benefiting entrepreneurs and businesses on both sides,” he said. Mr Khan said the two countries are mulling establishing joint economic meetings in the near future to boost interactions between the two governments.
“Pakistan has been providing training to Tanzanian officials, so we hope to increase the scope of that as well. Educational exchanges have also played a significant role in promoting people-to-people contacts.
“Tanzanian students have always been welcomed in Pakistan universities and institutions, thus contributing to the knowledge exchange between the two societies,” he said.
He said it has been exciting that both countries possess diverse cultural heritage which they have proudly preserved and shared with each other.
“Cultural exchanges will deepen understanding and appreciation for each other’s traditions, music, art, and literature,” he said.
He was optimistic that the Tanzanian government will open an embassy in Pakistan as both countries seek to enhance different areas corporations.
Source : The Citizen
