The government has challenged the private sector apex organisations to ensure that adequate information on business opportunities is widely available to local business community so as to take advantage of emerging and potential opportunities.
President Jakaya Kikwete
The call has been given by President Jakaya Kikwete when officiating at the Tanzania Private Sector Foundation (TPSF) business dinner that took place in Dar es Salaam recently.
“I believe there is a lot to gain out there for all of you,” he said, adding that the government is ready to work with the private sector.
He noted that the Public Private Partnership (PPP) Act of 2010 is one clear demonstration of the government’s resolve to promote and strengthen the involvement of the private sector in development endeavors.
“We want the private sector to be a true engine of growth and partner,” he said. In this regard, he said, the government has realised that some areas in the PPP Act need further re-enforcement and also decision to streamline the coordination of issues related to PPP.
He explained that the government will soon streamline the unit at the Prime Minister’s Office dealing with PPP in order to strengthen the one at the Ministry of Finance. “We hope that this will help to expedite decisions on PPP issues,” he said.
He also said that the government will take into account comments of members of the private sector regarding the ongoing formulation of the Private Sector Development Policy and improve the document accordingly.
He said the government values the private sector contribution and that he will continue supporting their efforts. “We will continue to undertake reforms and improve economic services particularly transport, power and water to make our country a favourable investment destination,” he said.
On her part, the outgoing Chair of TPSF, Ms Esther Mkwizu thanked the government for supporting the private sector through regular dialogue and consultations that continue to pave direction for sound enterprise development and revamping of the business environment in Tanzania.
She said that the business community commends the government for rolling out various measures to address service delivery challenges and the consultation and involvement of the private sector members in formulation of such measures.
“The establishment of the Big Results Now initiative is warmly welcomed as it will have direct impact on the business environment and investment climate in our country,” she said.
She said that the private sector appreciates their involvement in the latest Global Smart Partnership 2013 Dialogue and that they are committed to future participation on such platforms and implementation of their various outcomes.
The business dinner coincided with the change of leadership at board level for the TPSF. Ms. Mkwizu thanked the private sector in the country for the opportunity to serve them.
“I trust the new board will carry forth all the good work we have done in ensuring a socially-responsible and robust private sector in Tanzania,” she said.
The business dinner was attended by members of the private sector, government officials and donor community among others.
Source Tanzania Daily News
