{The restoration of trade relations between Tanzania and Democratic Republic of Congo is expected to boost freight forwarding companies\u2019 capacity to re-employ about 6,000 workers who were previously laid off.}<\/p>\n
The workers fell victim after the logistics companies opted to reduce the number of employees in order to reduce operation costs following the drop in cargo volume through the Dar es Salaam port.<\/p>\n
Among other factors, the companies diverted their consignments to other ports, such as Mombasa. Cargo traffic through the port dropped by 13.3 per cent in March, this year, compared to the same period last year.<\/p>\n
Cargo to and from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Zambia dropped by 14.4 per cent and 27.9 per cent, respectively.<\/p>\n
The market segments of the two countries contributed about 60 per cent of the port\u2019s transit market share. But, a new chapter was opened after DRC President Joseph Kabila visited the country on Tuesday this week during which he and his host, President John Magufuli, sorted out some of the challenges that afflicted the traders of the two countries.<\/p>\n
Yesterday, Tanzania Freight Forwarders Association (TAFFA) described the move by Dr Magufuli to foster stronger ties with DR Congo as \u2018new hope\u2019 for their businesses. \u201cWe are now expecting that our member companies would bring back their 6,000 workers whom they laid off,\u201d the secretary general of TAFFA, Mr Tony Swai, said.<\/p>\n
Mr Swai said the recent development over modalities in using the port would open up the doors for business people, not only from the DRC but also elsewhere. \u201cOn behalf of the association, I thank President Magufuli for facilitating and attracting the Congolese traders to revert to Dar es Salaam port,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
He pointed out that the decision was welcome since the Dar port was fundamental for the country\u2019s economic growth. \u201cPresident Kabila when he came here he said the port was not only ours,\u201d he recalled.<\/p>\n
\u201cI commend Dr Magufuli for extending the grace period for DRC-destined cargo from 14 to 30 days in which cargo at the port will be exempted,\u201d he said. He added that this was among challenges that deterred the traders from using the port.<\/p>\n
He praised Dr Magufuli for improving the central railway line. The railway is not capable of carrying more cargo to Kigoma and neighbouring countries. He said the move would help in addressing delays in moving cargo from Dar es Salaam port to other destinations, considering that Tanzania Railway Limited (TRL) currently has enough cargo wagons. \u201cWe would encourage our members now to use the railway to transport their goods,\u201d he pledged.<\/p>\n
The decision to make Tanzania Investment Bank (TIB) serve the traders at the port was also a good idea, according to him. He said that since the bank has arranged to work from 8:00 am to 11:00 pm and could extend more time for service if there could be congestion of cargo at the port.<\/p>\n
\u201cHe has done a very good job, though there are some minor challenges that he also promised to address. We support him,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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