According to the Daily News on July 17th, Tanzanian manufacturers have raised at least seven major issues, stating that these problems have led to a significant increase in production costs and pose a threat to the sustainable development of local industries. At present, they are calling on the government to take swift action to safeguard employment, enhance competitiveness, and promote industrial growth. In the high-level public-private dialogue held in Dar es Salaam with Minister of Industry and Trade Selemani Jafo, these issues were elaborated in detail, covering multiple aspects from high operating costs, unstable power supply to lack of policy coherence and unfair competition. In response, Dr. Jafo promised to directly communicate with stakeholders and conduct on-site inspections of relevant industries to explore sustainable solutions. He said, "We are committed to protecting and promoting local industries such as cement, steel plates, steel bars, beverages, and textiles. These industries are crucial for creating employment opportunities and strengthening domestic production." Among them, cement manufacturers Twiga and Simba Cement are the most vocal, urging the government to cancel the 20000 shilling per ton cement consumption tax.
