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Meghji identifies key areas for revenue collection
2006-01-15 08:04:48
By Hannah Mwandoloma
Finance Minister, Zakia Meghji, this week identified natural resources and the tourism sectors among key areas where more revenues would be collected by the government in the next five years.
Meghji who served in the previous government in natural resources and tourism portfolio said yesterday in Dar es Salaam that she was expecting to achieve the best from the ministry of Natural Resources and Tourism because it is one of the economic ministries that government depend on.
Speaking during the handing over ceremony of her previous office to the new minister, Antony Diallo, she said that she was happily handing over the ministry believing it is in good hands of a hardworking and a competent team that will make sure Tanzania economy is growing fast.
Meghji who worked for the ministry of Natural resources and Tourism for nine years said that the ministry has its strength that is natural resources that Tanzania has like wildlife, forests, fishing etc. She added that nearly 37%-40% of Tanzania is covered by these natural resources.
Explaining how thankful she is to the ministry of natural resources and tourism Meghji said that it is because of this ministry she is now the minister of finance. She said that the achievement she has in her working record and even in politics are the results of Diallos’ ministry.
Talking about the good relationship the ministry has with others, Meghji said that she is very proud that the ministry has made Tanzania very famous in and outside the country.
’’Tourism is growing very fast and this is encouraging our economy. We have several contracts outside the country and there are times when we are needed to attend meetings.
I advice that we should get prepared before going to those meetings because we represent our country and we need to have good relationship with others,’’ said Meghji.
Giving alert to the new minister Meghji said that the ministry has a lot of suspicions especially when people don’t get what they demand to have. She said a lot of misunderstandings occur when it comes to things like hunting blocs.
She insisted that the truth and openness way of solving problems that was practised in the third phase government, must continue in the fourth phase government.
’’If you practice openness you will not give room to corruption. Local government should do their job well for the benefit and development of the community.
The ministry needs a good relationship with communities because they are the ones who take care of game reserves, so they must see developments achieved from the human resources,’’ said Meghji.
Receiving the office keys officially from Meghji, the minister for Natural Resources and Tourism said that his ministry will give priority to the issue of environment which includes the natural resources like water resources, forests etc.
Diallo said the ministry would try its level best to boost the economy and provide employment to people.
Under one condition of developing Tanzania economy, Diallo declared to make sure that the community concerned are enjoying the triumph of the resources they have.
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