Relief As Tanzania Ports Authority Moves to Open Liaison Office in Kigali

Rwandan importers and exporters will no longer need to travel to Dar es Salaam port, Tanzania to clear their shipments, thanks to a move by the Tanzania Ports Authority (TPA) to open a liaison office in Kigali in October.

"This means that importers, clearing agents and exporters will be able to clear goods from Kigali without having to travel to Dar es Salaam," Eng Deusdedit Kakoko, the TPA director general, said in an interview with The New Times last week.

Eng Kakoko added that the move aims at bringing services near to the Rwandan business community, "which will help cut the cost of doing business, and reduce the hurdles within the logistics and supply chain".

Kakoko said the Liaison office will be a one-stop-centre, where customers can access information, including the status of their cargo, or applicable port charges.

"This is a healthy and supportive development that will help to reduce time and costs, as well as improve the value chain. It also means that the Rwandan business community can make payments through electronic payment system (EPS) and attend to any queries through the Kigali office," he added.

The move, according to the Treasury Registrar of the Government of the United Republic of Tanzania, Lawrence Mafuru, is also clear testimony of the commitment by the Tanzanian government to improve business environment for clients in neighbouring countries, especially for Rwanda.