Farmers’ hopes high as govt allows traders to export food

The government’s decision to allow farmers to export maize that has been stockpiled in the 2013/14 season is commendable. But it should be handled cautiously to avoid artificial food shortages driven by dishonest dealers with an eye on price hikes.

As the first meeting of the 11th parliament starts next week in Dodoma expectations are high that MPs performance this time will meet expectations.

Agriculture is the backbone of our economy. If we mess it up, the entire economy pays the price. The big question is whether we are doing enough to support agriculture.

The National Trade Policy, which came into being in 2003, has not been able to spur Tanzania’s export growth as originally envisioned.

Preparations for the third Arusha Gemstone Fair (AGF) have been finalised and it will once again showcase its great potential for gemstones, now contributing significantly to national earnings. Organisers say local participants are expected to strike sales exceeding Sh6.9 billion generated during last year’s show, which enabled the government to earn S.227.4 million royalties.

On 31th March, 2014, the Government of Japan and the Government of the United Republic of Tanzania will sign Exchange of Notes for the Japanese Grant Project “The food security project for underprivileged farmers”.
The grant which will be provided from the Government of Japan, amounts to three hundred and eighty million Japanese Yen (\380,000,000), approximately six billion ninety million Tanzanian Shillings (Tsh 6,061,000,000).
This project aims to improve food production, especially...

>The Vibindo Society has pleaded with the government to review business licence fees for small and medium traders, because the current arrangement discourages a good number of people planning to start business.

Home to many Islamic and Christian holy sites, hopes a visit this month by Pope Francis (pictured) will promote religious tourism and boost an industry hit hard by regional turmoil.

Investors on the Dar es Salaam Stock Exchange (DSE) are likely to enjoy more earnings following the lifting of foreign ownership restrictions.