Rwanda hails Tanzania in restructuring Dar port

TRANSIT Trade stakeholders from Rwanda have expressed satisfaction on the business grounds between Tanzania and Rwanda promising to continue using Dar es Salaam port for shipping in their cargo. A statement released by Central Corridor Transit Transport Facilitation Agency (CCTTFA) said the Rwandan delegation that visited the country last month have promised to boost businesses with their Tanzania counterparts after being satisfied with the environment of doing business in the country. Rwanda is the second biggest user of the Dar es Salaam port among members of the central corridor. The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) tops the list of Dar es Salaam port users. According to the records, at least 70 percent of Rwanda cargo pass through Dar es Salaam port. In 2015 Rwanda imported about 819,935 tons of goods through the Dar es Salaam Port. The delegation was represented by officials from the Ministry of Trade and Industry, Ministry of East African Community, Association of Clearing & Forwarding Agents and Rwanda Shippers Council, Rwanda Revenue Authority and Rwanda High Commission to Tanzania. The delegation visited key business areas such as Maersk, CMA and PIL (shipping lines), Tanzania Food and Drug Authority (TFDA), Tanzania Bureau of Standards (TBS) and Tanzania Revenue Authority (TRA). Among important issues discussed during the two-day visit included ironing out of issues such as high container deposits required by shipping lines, Non recognition of Rwanda Standards Board (RSB) standard marks by TFDA, full implementation of the simplified trade regime and opening of Rusumo OSBP for 24/7 operations. Other agendas included allowing Rwandan clearing agents to operate at Dar es Salaam port, VAT charges on transit auxiliary services and issuance of Simplified Certificate of Origin at Rusumo Customs Border post. The Head of the delegation, a Senior Regional Integration Advisor, Ministry of East African Community, Mr Leonard Mungarulire said the delegation was able to find a common ground on various issues, build business relations and trust between shipping lines based in Dar es Salaam and the Rwanda Business community. “We found it to be very productive and we commit to maintain the same commitment and momentum in order to deliver tangible results and impact to our people” he said. The CCTTFA Executive Secretary, Mr Dieudonne Dukundane said his office is looking forward to bring more stakeholders to Tanzania, which is the key facilitator for trade in central corridor. I am happy that the delegation had successful tour and important issues were discussed and agreed upon. This is an important milestone for Tanzania, Rwanda and Central Corridor,” he noted.