The business delegate from Turkey who visited Tanzania recently expressed interest in investing in Tanzanian agriculture, textile, constructions and automobile spare parts sector. This was informed by the Alliance of Businessmen and Industrialists of Tanzania and Turkey (ABITAT). The ABITAT is also an official representative of the Confederation of Businessmen and Industrialists of Turkiye (TUSKON) here in the Tanzania. TUSKON conducts several trade bridges every year that links all of its members.

ABITAT President Ali Akkiz on Thursday in Dar es Salaam said that there is an increasing interest of business delegations from Turkey especially in last three years. All this is because of relentless effort by Confederation of Businessmen and Industrialists of Turkey (TUSKON) and Alliance of Businessmen and Industrialists of Tanzania and Turkey (ABITAT).

He added that Turkey was not a petroleum rich country thus had to work hard to compete with other countries. When Turgut Ozal came to power Turkey's economy depended on agriculture. After him Turkey became very famous for its textile industry and construction. But it took a long time to see the opportunities in Africa.

ABITAT want Turkish businessmen to invest in Africa, especially in Tanzania. Tanzania means the gate of East Africa for ABITAT. By making investment in Tanzania they can address the countries around Tanzania which are landlocked.

The ABITAT President also said that Turkish business community feel that they can do many things in Tanzania. In last three years, ABITAT hosted around 2500 businessmen from Turkey. Not all of them came for business. Some of them came just to see Dar es Salaam, Zanzibar, Serengeti, Ngorongoro etc. They saw the country and the opportunities there. In fact, nearly 2.5 percent came back for investment.

Akkiz underscored that ABITAT began to make introductory programmes in Turkey to attract big fishes. Last year, for example, they invited number one of Turkey, KOC Group which owns 10 percent of Turkish industry.

The trade between Tanzania and Turkey is very low when compare with the other countries but with the World Trade Bridge programmes organized in collaboration with TUSKON will make Tanzania known by Turkish investors and Tanzanian businessmen.

ABITAT organizes business match-making between Tanzanian and Turkish businessmen. They also organize events, seminars, workshops, field trips, conferences and debates that keep their members enlightened on various business opportunities.