Karume pledges more trade incentives

ZANZIBAR can become an important investment and tourist destination in Eastern Africa through provision of better incentives and proper infrastructure.

President Amani Karume told members of the Zanzibar business community gathered at the 4th Zanzibar Business Council meeting held at Bwawani Hotel today.

He said due to availability of reliable power supply on Pemba Island and in the near future on Unguja Island, a conducive environment was in the offing and better opportunities would soon be in place.

Mr Karume urged participants including senior ministers in his government such as the Chief Minister, Mr Shamsi Vuai Nahodha and the Deputy Chief Minister, Mr Ali Juma Shamuhuna, to make sure that the islands meet its targets of development particularly in business and agriculture.

“We need to fight for change in all sectors with special emphasis on business and agriculture including irrigation farming,” said Mr Karume.

Participants including the Deputy Minister for East African Community, Mr Mohamed Aboud Mohamed, also discussed about the challenges and opportunities of East African Common market protocol on Zanzibar.

It was revealed at the one-day meeting that although Zanzibar would have several opportunities, lack of adequate awareness about the customs union and common market impaired the would-be investors.

Dailynews article