In a significant move to bolster economic relations and support the horticulture industry, the United Kingdom has announced a comprehensive package of initiatives offering Tanzanian exporters duty-free market access.
This strategic initiative was revealed on Tuesday during the opening speech at a high-profile business-to-business (B2B) event organized by the Tanzania Horticultural Association (TAHA). The event highlighted the UK’s broader strategy to foster closer relations with resource-rich countries.
Addressing the 17 horticultural companies gathered at TAHA headquarters, the UK Prime Minister’s Trade Envoy, Lord Wanley, emphasized the UK’s commitment to creating fair and free trade with Tanzania. He highlighted the benefits of the UK’s Developing Countries Trading Scheme (DCTS), designed to offer generous trade preferences to eligible countries.
Under the DCTS, 65 countries, including Tanzania, can export up to 99 percent of their products duty-free to the UK market. Lord Wanley underscored the recent UK initiative to abolish tariffs on flowers exported from East African countries, noting that Tanzania is well-positioned to capture a significant share of the UK flower market due to the British preference for Tanzanian flowers.
“The UK has exempted flowers from tariffs, ensuring Tanzanian flowers can reach British consumers more easily,” stated Lord Wanley. “This is part of our broader strategy to support Tanzanian exporters and enhance bilateral trade.”
Policy Advisor for Trade for Development, Ms. Sabiha Ahmed, elaborated on the DCTS scheme during the presentation, describing it as one of the most generous trade preference programs globally. The scheme encompasses 3.3 billion people and facilitates the export of products worth EURO 23 billion annually, offering a significant economic boost to participating countries.
“The DCTS scheme is a testament to the UK’s commitment to promoting equitable trade,” said Ms. Ahmed. “By providing duty-free access to the UK market for up to 99 percent of export products from 65 countries, including Tanzania, we aim to support their economic growth and development.”
The newly unveiled measures by the UK are expected to significantly enhance the horticultural trade between the two countries, providing Tanzanian exporters with greater market access opportunities and fostering closer economic ties.
UK Ambassador to Tanzania, Mr. David Concar, expressed optimism about the future of Tanzanian horticulture, praising TAHA for its pivotal role in transforming the industry. He acknowledged TAHA’s tireless efforts in shaping a promising future for the horticultural sector and positioning it for continued success and sustainability.
TAHA CEO, Ms. Jacqueline Mkindi, echoed Mr. Concar’s sentiments, highlighting the United Kingdom’s longstanding support in revolutionizing Tanzania’s horticulture industry. She pointed out that this partnership began with the establishment of the trade facilitation agency, BEST Dialogue, which has been pivotal in empowering TAHA’s advocacy efforts.
Moreover, Ms. Mkindi noted the crucial support from TradeMark Africa, which has been instrumental in aiding TAHA’s efforts to improve market access for Tanzanian horticultural products. By opening up new markets and facilitating easier trade routes, TradeMark Africa has helped Tanzanian farmers and horticultural businesses expand their reach and increase their presence in international markets.
TAHA’s Chief Development Manager, Mr. Anthony Chamanga, disclosed that the value of Tanzania’s horticultural exports had seen significant growth, reaching USD 87 million over the past five years. This growth reflects the rising quality and demand for Tanzanian horticultural products and signals a robust future for the industry.