Tanzania DRC Strengthen Strategic Ties Transport Trade Investment

• Tanzania and DRC have strengthened strategic ties, focusing on transport links, trade, and infrastructure development.
• The Multimodal Transportation Project aims to integrate port, railway, road, and water transport services to reduce transportation costs and time.
• Non-tariff barriers to trade will be removed, improving border services and increasing private sector participation in development projects.
• Cooperation in exchanging expertise, technology, and knowledge on mineral extraction and value addition has been strengthened.

The visit marked a significant milestone in strengthening bilateral relations between the two countries, which have been longstanding partners in trade, transport, and infrastructure development.

Tanzania and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) have embarked on a new era of cooperation, with President Samia Suluhu Hassan welcoming DRC President Felix Antoine Tshisekedi to Tanzania for a state visit. The visit marked a significant milestone in strengthening bilateral relations between the two countries, which have been longstanding partners in trade, transport, and infrastructure development. During the talks, the two leaders discussed various areas of cooperation, including the implementation of the Multimodal Transportation Project, which aims to integrate port, railway, road, and water transport services to reduce transportation costs and time. This project is expected to enhance efficiency along the Central Corridor and stimulate trade and investment between Tanzania, the DRC, and other countries in the region.

The strengthening of ties between Tanzania and the DRC has significant implications for trade and investment between the two countries. One key area of focus is the removal of non-tariff barriers to trade, which will improve border services and increase private sector participation in development projects. This move is expected to enable the DRC to access agricultural, livestock, and fisheries products produced in large quantities locally, expanding trade in these products across regional markets. Additionally, the two countries have agreed to strengthen cooperation in exchanging expertise, technology, and knowledge on mineral extraction and value addition, with Tanzania inviting the DRC to collaborate with the East and Central African Mining Centre.

The renewed ties between Tanzania and the DRC are expected to have a positive impact on socio-economic growth in both countries. With over 60% of cargo passing through the Port of Dar es Salaam destined for the DRC, investing in transport infrastructure is crucial to improve efficiency and reduce costs. The implementation of major infrastructure projects, such as the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR), will facilitate movement of passengers and cargo, while upgrading ports on Lake Tanganyika and strengthening water transport services will further enhance trade and investment opportunities. Furthermore, the cooperation between the two countries will contribute to building resilient economies, promoting peace, and improving living standards for citizens in both countries and across Africa.

Lawyers and compliance officers should watch for the potential impact on trade and investment between Tanzania and DRC, including changes to non-tariff barriers and increased cooperation in infrastructure development.

Source: Original reporting via Briefly