DOHA: TANZANIA and Qatar are closing in on a deal that could open the door to about 4,500 jobs for Tanzanians, as the two countries step up cooperation in labour, trade, investment, taxation and diplomacy.
Prime Minister Dr Mwigulu Nchemba revealed the development in Doha after talks with his Qatari counterpart and Foreign Affairs Minister, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani, saying the employment arrangements are now at the final processing stage.
The government is working with relevant authorities to complete the remaining procedures before Tanzanian workers can travel to Qatar and take up the jobs.
The meeting focused on strengthening bilateral relations and advancing areas agreed upon by the two countries’ leaders, including cooperation in fire and rescue services as well as political and diplomatic consultations.
“We had a meeting with our host, where we put emphasis on areas agreed by our leaders, as well as areas of cooperation that have been agreed and signed, including cooperation in fire and rescue services and political and diplomatic consultations between our two countries,” Dr Mwigulu said.
He said the two sides also discussed finalising and signing an agreement to prevent tax evasion and double taxation.
Dr Mwigulu said about 4,500 positions were at the final stage of processing, with the Prime Minister’s Office responsible for Labour, Employment and Labour Relations coordinating the process with the Ministries of Home Affairs and Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation.
On her part, Minister for Industry and Trade Judith Kapinga said Tanzania wanted to increase exports to the Qatar market while attracting investment in industries that add value to the country’s raw materials.
“Our priority is to increase Tanzania’s exports to the Qatar market while attracting investment in value-addition industries that utilise the raw materials available in our country,” she said.
Ms Kapinga said the Ministry of Industry and Trade was working to create an enabling environment for both local and foreign investors.
She made the remarks following discussions with the First Vice-Chairman of the Qatar Chamber of Commerce and Industry (QCCI), Mohammed Al Kuwari, during Dr Mwigulu’s working visit to Qatar.
The trade drive also covers services and human resources, with Ms Kapinga directing the Tanzania Trade Development Authority (TanTrade) to identify and promote opportunities for Tanzanian services in international markets.
TanTrade Director General Ephraim Mafuru said Tanzania had significant potential to increase exports to Qatar while using the Gulf country as a gateway to wider Gulf markets.
“Tanzania and Qatar have opportunities to increase exports to the Qatari market, while Qatar can also serve as a gateway to the broader Gulf market,” Mr Mafuru said.
He said Tanzania’s membership of the East African Community (EAC) and Southern African Development Community (SADC) gives investors access to wider regional markets.
The Tanzania-Qatar Business and Investment Forum also explored opportunities in manufacturing, value addition, production and market expansion, linking the two countries’ growing economic ties with employment, trade and investment opportunities.
Tanzania’s Ambassador to Qatar, Habibu Awesi Mohamed, said bilateral relations had strengthened since the Tanzanian embassy in Qatar was opened in 2017.
He said the mission had focused on diplomacy, economic affairs, attracting foreign direct investment, tourism, labour mobility, Diaspora affairs and higher education.
According to Amb Mohamed, about 2,500 Tanzanians currently live and work in Qatar, including 720 employed as heavy-bus drivers by Qatar’s state transportation company.
The developments signal growing efforts by Tanzania and Qatar to expand bilateral cooperation beyond diplomacy to practical opportunities in employment, trade, investment and skills development.