Coast Chapter
Tanga City to hold 2nd trade fair
The Tanzanian border city of Tanga is set to hold its 2nd trade fair from 24th May 2014 to 3rd June 2014. Tanga Trade Fair is a business promotion event organized by the Tanzania Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture (TCCIA) and Tanzania Trade Development Authority (TANTRADE). The fair enjoys patronage of the Tanzania business community who both exhibit and use it as forum for business exchange.
Officials of KNCC&I, TCCIA and KAM at Tanga Beach Resort
Speaking during the 1st preparatory meeting for the event held at the Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KNCC&I) offices in Mombasa, the treasurer of TCCIA Mr. Eric Kaniki said Tanzania was keen on doing business with its neighbours and welcomed exhibitors from Kenya to take part in the event. He further mentioned that a number of international exhibitors had expressed interest in participating in the Trade Fair.
“We are looking forward to host Kenya for the 2nd trade fair. Before we allow other international exhibitors to take stands and exhibit we extend our invitations to our brothers and sisters in Kenya,” said Kaniki.
Speaking during the same occasion, the Mombasa Chair of KNCC&I Mr. James Mureu expressed his appreciation to the delegation from Tanzania Chamber of Commerce for extending the invitation.
”It is necessary and important for members of the regional block to work together to foster regional integration as well as to be able to compete in the global market,” said Mureu.
A team of three officials from KNCC&I and Kenya Association of Manufacturers (KAM) travelled to Tanga for a feasibility study of the area and preparation for the Trade Fair. Travel from Mombasa to Tanga is easy by road. The road network on the Tanzanian side is very good and well marked for ease of movement. Border clearance is smooth, both at customs and immigration in both countries.
The team also paid a visit to the Tanzania Revenue Authority (TRA) and met the Regional Customs Officer, Mr. Pius Kibahila who gave an assurance that there will be no delays in clearance of goods destined for the trade fair.
“We will do our best to ensure faster clearance of goods that are to be exhibited during the trade fair,” he said. He however cautioned exhibitors to be a bit early to avoid any instances of delays. Kibahila also clarified that only goods sold at the exhibition will be charged tax.
Kilifi County Investors Conference in the pipeline
The Kilifi County Government recently held a stakeholders forum to deliberate on the first International Investors Conference in the county. According to county Trade and Tourism Minister Hon. Alphonce Tokali the objective of the meeting was to bring stakeholders together to brainstorm on how to hold the first International investors conference in the county.
In attendance were officials from various ministries, and two County Executives, Hon. Tokali and Hon. Kiringi Mwachitu, the county executive committee member in charge of water, forestry and natural resources. Among partners represented were KenInvest, KAM and private consultants on maritime.
The presentations from ministries were skeletal targeting areas they wished to source for investors support. Among them were Fish Port, Medical Tourism, High End Schools, Medical Training Schools, Agricultural Technology and Mechanical leasing, Housing, among others.
Various stakeholders expressed concerns over the numerous challenges that they face from the county that hinder investments.
A representative of KenInvest Nelly Mwawaka decried the lack of decision making by those in authority that has discouraged many would be investors. “There is reluctance in making essential decisions by the leaders that would advise investors and this has left many not ready to invest in the region,” she said. “Communication breakdown amongst departments in the county government is contributing to delayed project,” she added.
Stakeholders from the tourism and manufacturing industries mentioned that there is lack of supporting infrastructure, negative environment from politicians and insecurity which has raised a lot of concern.
Commenting on the business environment, KAM Coast chapter officer Susan Gitau said the high cost of doing business occasioned by new legislation at the county level would only further discourage investors.
“High taxes and levies by the County Government will not attract investors at all in the region. As KAM we are disappointed that the County Government saw it fit to invite us for planning meetings of the investors’ conference yet they did not invite us for the presentation of the Finance Bill which has negatively affected business,” she said.
The salt sub-sector executive officer Eunice Mwanyallo brought to the fore how the Salt Sub-sector is bogged down by the unending conflict on Land which is legally owned by investors. “Unless the existing investors are treated responsibly, others will not dare venture into Kilifi County,” she said.
Hino to offer lowest cost per kilometer
Hino a Toyota Group company recently held an Expo at the Aga khan Social club Mombasa to introduce its Hino Fleet management. Speaking during the official launch Hino Kenya General, Manager, Wanjohi Kangangi said the fleet will offer its customers the lowest per unit cost.
“We are delighted to introduce to you Hino Fleet Solutions, lowest cost per kilometer. Together with other partners Hino fleet solutions offers, body building, finance, insurance and tracking among other services,” he said.
“We have spent months working with partners to ensure we offer you benefits of great service at the best prices for all your fleet requirements,” said Kangangi adding that Hino fleet solution philosophy is “Customers business first.”
Participants at the launching of Hino fleet management solution by Toyota Kenya at Aga Khan Hall
Upcoming events:
Energy Audit Training, Venue: Whitesands Hotel Mombasa 14th -18th April 2014
Kenya Maritime Authority Sensitization workshop for Importers/Exporters on Incoterms and other Pertinent Issues in Shipping Industry, Venue: Mombasa Beach Hotel 15th-16th April 2014