EPZA Host AFZA Convention

The Tanzania Export Processing Zones Authority (EPZA) will host the African Free Zones Association (AFZA) Convention on 11th – 13th May 2011, thanks to the Authority’s outstanding performance.

The World Bank and AFZA chose the four-year old investment promotion agency to host the Convention in recognition of the strides that the Authority has so far made to promote export oriented investments. AFZA’s Secretary General, Chris Ndibe, talking to reporters in Dar es Salaam recently, praised the government of Tanzania for supporting EPZA operations, enabling the country to emerge among few role models for other African countries to emulate in investment operations.

In its four years of operations, EPZA Tanzania has created over 10,000 jobs, generated over Tshs 300bn/- in exports as well as spearheading the set up of investment areas in more than 17 regions, countrywide. “AFZA member countries and the World Bank were so impressed by EPZA efforts that they entrusted their Tanzanian partner with the organisation of the forthcoming Convention that will attract over 250 participants from AFZA and World Free Zones Convention (WFZC) member countries,” said Mr Ndibe.

A report on EPZA Tanzania’s fast and exceptional performance that the World Bank presented at AFZA’s first meeting in Nigeria was among factors that influenced the selection of EPZA Tanzania to host the Convention, this year. Participants to the AFZA gathering in Tanzania are expected from Africa, America, Europe and Asia. EPZA’s Director General, Dr. Adelhelm Meru , has attributed EPZA’s excellent performance to a number of factors, with the government’s political goodwill topping the list. “We sincerely thank the government for the support it has given to our operations and development,” said Dr. Meru, thanking the government for the support that it provides to EPZA.

For more information about the conference please visit Afzaconvention