Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Energy, Dr. Doto Biteko, has called on government officials to work with integrity and adhere to the principles of service delivery to achieve positive results rather than hindering those in need of services.
Dr. Biteko issued this directive on July 30, 2024, while launching the National Trade Policy at an event held in Dar es Salaam, attended by various stakeholders from both the government and the private sector.
He pointed out that some offices have skilled individuals in drafting documents, but the implementation of their duties lacks practicality and does not align with the prepared documents, leaving them to gather dust in files.
“We can be excellent at drafting statements and making promises, but the reality does not change. There is no benefit in having an officer who obstructs a businessperson just to be called a boss. We need to have a document that unites us all; otherwise, this policy will remain a storybook on a shelf,” Dr. Biteko said.
He urged government officials to ensure everyone receives these services without barriers, which will build respect from those seeking these services. “The presence of the National Trade Policy will lead to significant changes in various national documents and laws, and thus, all government sectors must read and supervise this policy,” Dr. Biteko said.
In another note, Dr. Biteko encouraged Tanzanians to use the opportunities provided by this policy to enhance national, regional, and international competitiveness, highlighting environmental conservation and disease prevention.
He also encouraged Tanzanians to walk with confidence, believing they have the ability to compete and market products by improving them to attract both domestic and international markets, considering this policy is for trade and not the Ministry of Industry and Trade.
Dr. Biteko further stated that the sixth phase government under the leadership of Hon. Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan does not want to see or hear complaints against businesspeople, urging all stakeholders to use this opportunity to improve services through this new policy.
On his part, the Minister of Industry and Trade, Hon. Dr. Selemani Jafo, said global business changes lead to changes in trade and capital, enabling Tanzanians to participate in economic development, thanking development partners for their contributions in preparing the policy.
Earlier, delivering greetings from the Parliament and the Standing Committee on Industry and Trade, the Vice Chairman of the Committee, Mariam Ditopile, congratulated the government on achieving the policy and advised coordinated efforts on related issues to eliminate bureaucracy that hinders productivity.
For his part, the Ambassador of Norway to Tanzania, Tone Tinnes, said it is evident that Tanzania has become an attractive business destination, increasing its product sales and direct foreign investment.
He emphasized that the greater benefit lies in investing in gender, youth, and environmental conservation issues.
The Executive Director of the Private Sector Foundation (TPSF), Raphael Maganga, said the government has shown systemic intent and strength in managing trade by integrating trade coordination and coming up with a policy that aims to connect stakeholders and link small traders with those in the formal sector.
The launch of the National Trade Policy carries the theme of "Business Competitiveness in Accelerating Economic and Social Changes Driven by Industries."
No comments:
Post a Comment