Explore ‘Kilimo Kwanza’ potentials – Mwapachu
The East African Community (EAC) secretariat has urged Tanzanians to embark on commercial farming and capitalize on a 120-million people potential market under the region’s Common Market.
The EAC secretary general, Mr Juma Mwapachu said that Tanzania’s newly initiated green revolution, dubbed as ‘Kilimo Kwanza’ offers massive opportunities for development of commercial farming.
“‘Kilimo Kwanza’ should be regarded as a back-up for Tanzanians to embark on commercial farming. The creation of the EAC Common Market should assure farmers of a ready market for their produce,” Mr Mwapachu said.
He was speaking in Dar es Salaam over the weekend during the official opening of the 34th Dar es Salaam International Trade Fair (DITF). He presented the Kilimo Kwanza Public-Private-Partnership (PPP) Pavilion, which is under the custodian of Tanzania National Business Council (TNBC), with a trophy for being of the best exhibitors.
The PPP Pavilion brings together Ministries for Water and Irrigation; Industry, Trade and Marketing; Tanzania Investment Centre; Tanzania Investment Bank and Tanzania Private Sector Foundation.
EAC partner states of Tanzania, Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda and Burundi embarked on the second phase of the integration process on July 1, 2010, by opening up the region’s borders for a free movement of skilled laborers, capital, goods and services. According to Mr Mwapachu, rather than fearing the competition, Tanzanians need to explore the opportunities created by common market.
“There is nothing new with the integration process…it has been practiced in many other places in the world, and ours will never bring new ways of doing business,” he said.
TNBC’s manager for administration, Ms Vick Hingira said the body would not relent with the duty of promoting Kilimo Kwanza and making it known to ordinary people who are the final beneficiaries.
Mbinga East MP Gaudence Kayombo urged TNBC to cooperate with district councils to educate people on the initiative, and how they can explore agricultural-based business opportunities at their disposal.
Source – The Citizen