Home East Africa Tanzania-France business forum kicks off

Tanzania-France business forum kicks off

by Tullah Stephen
Tanzania-France

In a bid to strengthen public and private sector relationships, French embassy in Tanzania on Monday held the first ever business forum.  The three-day forum brings together stakeholders to share best practices, track records and strategic visions in order to identify win-win partnership opportunities.

According to French Ambassador to Tanzania Malika Berak, the forum focus on sectors that will support the country’s industrialization efforts.  While addressing the press on Monday Ms Berak said the event dubbed ‘Semaine de la France’ or France week in English, seeks to spread a better knowledge of Tanzania and build new networks among the two countries.

Key among the sectors include renewable energies, transport and digital solutions. “The forum is an eye opener for French Companies looking at Tanzania as an investment destination. We had a similar event in Germany last year and most companies showed interest to come.”

Apart from workshops on the sectors, several round tables on infrastructure financing, capacity building will also be held during the event. Participating businesses will also showcase exhibitions.

According to the French embassy, Tanzania and France trade is still low in favour of France at 70 percent. Ms Berak admits to the low levels of trade but remained things will change. “Big French companies operating in east Africa are growing while others are lining up to venture into the region.”

In 2016, Tanzania imported goods worth 135 million euros. In the same period, it exported only 70 million euros.

France imported mainly raw tobacco, coffee and precious stones. Tanzania on the other hand imported pharmaceuticals, aircrafts and related materials.

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