MKURANGA, Feb. 13 -- PRIME Minister Dr Mwigulu Nchemba directed the Ministry of Finance to halt tax exemptions on imported goods that compete with domestic production so as to protect local manufacturers and boost private-sector employment.

Opening a roofing sheet factory by Lodhia Group in the Mkuranga District, Coast Region yesterday, Dr Nchemba directed the Ministry of Finance and the Tanzania Revenue Authority (TRA) to immediately review trade policies, warning that the state will no longer grant relief to importers when local supply is sufficient.

“We cannot safeguard our industries if Tanzania becomes a dumping place for products from other continents,” he said adding however that at the same time regional agreements w...