Agriculture Council of Tanzania Chairman, Salum Shamte, Southern Agriculture Growth Corridor of Tanzania (SAGCOT) Chief Executive Officer, Dustan Mrutu and a member of Tanzania Horticultural Association, Erik Koster feel the sector has failed to attract a big number of potential private investors due to numerous taxes, hiked land rent and red tape in processing of projects and an increasing number of certificates and standard documents by regulatory bodies.
Responding to the 'Daily News' questions as to what have been highlights of the year 2011 and what should be given priority in 2012 to boost the agriculture sector, Mr Shamte who is also Managing Director of Katani Limited, said, "Tanzania Agricultural Development Bank (TADB) to be formed with serious resources, the cess removed or significantly reduced, the subsidy scheme streamlined and increased and incentives to attract private investment."
Shamte who is also SAGCOT Chairman said he hopes that during 2012, the centre will become fully operational while Tanzania Agriculture Development Bank starts operations and the tax regime reviewed to become private investment friendly. The sector apparently pays 17 different taxes.
He, however, recognised some significant progress made during the year under review which included SAGCOT launch by Prime Minister, Mizengo Pinda in Dar es Salaam and later in Davos, Switzerland by President Jakaya Kikwete in May, this year. Read the full report here.
Source: Finnigan Wa Simbeye, All Africa.com.
