Ambassador Suleiman Haji Suleiman said the initiative would equip Tanzanian exporters with the technical knowledge, regulatory guidance and institutional support needed to increase exports to China and other international markets.
Speaking after the 50th Dar es Salaam International Trade Fair (DITF), Dr Suleiman said many entrepreneurs, particularly farmers and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), remain unable to take advantage of export opportunities because they lack knowledge of export procedures and market requirements.
"Many Tanzanians who visited our pavilion said they don't know how to start exporting. What we are doing is to create an enabling environment for Tanzanians to benefit," he said.
The proposed one-stop centre would bring together agencies responsible for export approvals, streamlining permit processing while providing support on market access, product certification, international standards and trade regulations.
Dr Suleiman said stronger export facilitation would also help reduce farmers' reliance on foreign intermediaries, enabling producers to capture greater value from international markets.
He described China's market of more than 1.4 billion consumers as offering significant opportunities for Tanzanian products, including avocados, cashew nuts, coffee, tea, spices, cassava and honey.
During the trade fair, the Tanzanian Embassy in Beijing connected three local avocado exporters with prospective Chinese buyers, highlighting growing commercial links between the two countries.
The ambassador said Tanzania must complement improved market access with higher agricultural productivity, greater value addition and better packaging to enhance the competitiveness of its exports.
To support that effort, the embassy is working with the Vocational Education and Training Authority (VETA), the Small Industries Development Organisation (SIDO) and Chinese partners to strengthen packaging technology, technical skills and product value addition.
Dr Suleiman also encouraged businesses to leverage China's zero-tariff policy for eligible Tanzanian products, describing it as an opportunity to diversify exports and deepen bilateral trade.
In addition to promoting trade, the embassy used the fair to advise businesses on export opportunities and provide information on scholarships and higher education in China, particularly in artificial intelligence, engineering and medicine, to support the skills needed for Tanzania's long-term industrialisation and export-led growth.
Notes to Editors
– The proposal seeks to establish a National Business Clinic and a One-Stop Export Facilitation Centre to simplify export procedures and improve the competitiveness of Tanzanian businesses.
– The initiative is designed to address common barriers facing exporters, including limited knowledge of export documentation, product certification, quality standards and international market requirements.
– China represents one of Tanzania's largest potential export destinations, with a consumer market of more than 1.4 billion people.
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