Zanzbar's Minister of State in the Vice President Office, Mohammed Aboud
“Avoiding taxes is costly than paying them because it is risky
doing business without paying the government its dues, as you may end up
losing the entire entity. The current government doesn’t condone
businesses which don’t pay taxes,” Aboud warned.
According to the minister, the government was ready to forge
partnerships and related collaborations with the private sector. He,
however, stressed that for the businesses to be clean they needed to
settle all their taxes.
“The government is working with the private sector to review laws
and regulatory frameworks to improve business and investment
environments,” he said when speaking at the official opening of a
high-end kitchen appliance store, a joint-partnership between a Chinese
and a Tanzania business firm.
In addition, he called on businesspeople to support President John
Magufuli by paying requisite taxes to enable the government improve
social services delivery and the well-being of all Tanzanians.
The minister explained that the new partnership between China-based
firm Guangzhou Nantian Sources Co. Ltd and The Chef Ltd of Tanzania to
operate NTS Marts in Dar es Salaam continued a long-term friendship
between the two countries.
The minister called on foreign investors across the globe to invest
in Zanzibar, noting that the semi-autonomous Island was very peaceful
and safe for trade and business undertakings.
“We have so many areas that need to be invested in; from
agro-processing industries to fisheries, tourism and garments,” he said.
Saleh Dola, the NTS Project coordinator told the minister that the
project was worth USD3 million, noting that while the Chinese firm owned
51 per cent of the share, its Tanzanian counterpart held a 49 per cent
stake.
He explained the mall was designed to offer a one-stop solution for food services, hotel, restaurants and household items.
“We source our products directly from the manufacturers. Our plans
are to set up showrooms in Arusha, Mwanza and Zanzibar,” he said,
noting; “We want to offer products across the East African region
through Tanzania.”
NTS board chairman Raymond Chen said the new partnership was an
opportunity for Tanzanian businesspeople to manufacture quality products
and showcase them across the globe.
He said the firm would now buy products made from Tanzania and sell
them in the Chinese and US markets where the firm has established its
base.
SOURCE:
THE GUARDIAN
