Dar es Salaam, Tanzania – Pakistan is looking to bolster its economic ties with Tanzania, with a focus on agriculture, industry, and technology, as bilateral trade between the two nations continues to grow.

Speaking at a celebration for Pakistan’s 79th Independence Day, Pakistani High Commissioner to Tanzania, Siraj Khan, highlighted the significant increase in trade volume, which rose to $301 million in 2023 from $224 million in 2022. This upward trend underscores the potential for a deeper economic partnership.

Khan emphasized the foundational role of agriculture in both countries’ economies. While Tanzania exports raw commodities like cotton and cashews, Pakistan offers expertise in value-added processing, including textiles and food production. “We stand ready to share this know-how for mutual gains,” he stated, stressing that moving beyond raw exports into value-added goods could significantly increase trade volumes and create local jobs.

The envoy also pointed to nascent industrial cooperation, citing the recent entry of Pakistani firm Coming Digit, which has started exporting mobile phones to Tanzania. This development signals the early stages of a broader technological and manufacturing partnership.

Pharmaceuticals were also identified as a promising area for collaboration. Furthermore, Khan addressed the shared challenge of climate change, noting that both countries are highly vulnerable. He stressed the importance of protecting natural resources and urged developed nations to support resilience-building efforts in developing countries.

The high commissioner concluded by emphasizing that the true engine of progress lies in strengthening business-to-business and people-to-people connections. With trade volume now exceeding $300 million, Pakistan is set to support Tanzania in enhancing agro-processing, improving food security, and fostering industrial growth, creating a mutually beneficial partnership for both nations.