Dar es Salaam-5th India–Tanzania Joint Trade Committee
Why in News?
The 5th Session of the India–Tanzania Joint Trade Committee (JTC) was held on 29–30 April 2026 in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. This high-level meeting marked a significant step in strengthening the economic partnership between the two nations, which has seen bilateral trade cross the $9 billion mark.
Leadership and Participation
- Co-Chairs: Shri Rajesh Agrawal (India's Commerce Secretary) and Amb. Dr. Samwel William Shelukindo (Tanzania's Permanent Secretary for Foreign Affairs).
- Business Delegation: A group of Indian business leaders led by the Confederation of Indian Industries (CII) attended a "Joint Business Meet" on the sidelines.
Economic and Financial Cooperation
- Local Currency Settlement: Discussions were held to promote trade using local currencies (Rupee and Shilling) to reduce dependence on third-party currencies.
- Business Visas: Plans to facilitate long-term business visas for Indian entrepreneurs were reviewed.
- Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI): India offered to share its India Stack ecosystem, including real-time payment systems (similar to UPI), Digi Locker, and e-commerce best practices.
Infrastructure and Development
- Water Projects: India has extended Lines of Credit exceeding $1.1 billion for water infrastructure in 24 Tanzanian towns, expected to benefit over 6 million people.
- Railways and Shipbuilding: India offered expertise in locomotives, rolling stock, and shipyard development for port infrastructure.
Healthcare and Education
- Pharma & AYUSH: Both sides agreed to strengthen regulatory collaboration in pharmaceuticals and capacity building in AYUSH and oncology.
- IIT Madras Zanzibar: The session highlighted the growing role of IIT Madras Zanzibar as a regional hub for science and technology.
Agriculture and Energy
- Trade in Pulses: Cooperation on technology transfer, agro-processing, and trade in pigeon peas and other pulses was a priority.
- Energy Partnership: Plans for a comprehensive MoU covering renewable energy, natural gas, and biofuels were discussed.
- Mining: Focus was placed on geological exploration and value addition in the gemstone sector.
Future Outlook
- The committee agreed to hold the 6th Session of the JTC in New Delhi, India, on mutually convenient dates.
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