PRIME Minister Kassim Majaliwa yesterday launched a two-day Tanzania-Uganda Business Forum taking place in Dar es Salaam.

The form is dedicated to enhancing economic and investment ties between the two countries.

The PM said the government is determined to increase people’s participation in the industrial economy to increase incomes and reduce poverty.

To achieve this, Majaliwa said the government implements a blueprint which involves amendments of various laws, policies and regulations to address loopholes and create a conducive business and investment environment.

He said the government has strengthened service delivery by creating and linking 55 electronic government systems in 50 public institutions.

In addition, 13 laws have been amended to reduce or remove taxes, fees and charges as well as put exemptions of customs duties.

“The systems have been linked in order to facilitate exchange of information and completion of a new Tanzania electronic investment single window,” he said.

The premier said apart from system improvements, the government has continued to strengthen discipline at work, control misuse of public funds, strengthen revenue collection and create a friendly environment for business and investment.

He added that many investors in local industries have also continued to enjoy tax reliefs to further stimulate investment.

Majaliwa said that a total of 15 new companies with a capital of $215.48 million engaging in processing of agricultural products and minerals have been registered and given licences.

“The government has facilitated establishment of 332 strategic factories and restored 20 others which were privatised which will now be developed by the government, including Economic Processing Zones Authority (EPZA) which has eight factories, National Development Corporation and Small Industries Development Organisation have two and the remaining 10 factories still wait for potential investors,” he said.

He named some of the factories as Mbeya Ceramics Company Ltd, Nachingwea Cashew Nuts Processing Factory, Mafuta Ilulu Ltd, Mkata Sawmills Ltd, Tanganyika Packers Limited (TPL) Shinyanga Plant, Mwanza Tanneries Ltd, Mang’ula Mechanical and Machine Tools, National Steel Corporation and Mbeya Meat Processing Plant.

Earlier, Minister for Foreign Affairs and East Africa Cooperation January Makamba said the ministry will continue to supervise and coordinate effectively the issue of economic diplomacy.

John Mulimba, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs in charge of Regional Affairs, Uganda, said the two countries cooperate in various areas, including trade, security, education and many others meant to stimulate development.