Tanzania, Aug. 7 -- Dar es Salaam. The government and the East African Commercial and Logistics Centre (EACLC) have sought to allay concerns that the newly established China-linked business centre could undermine established markets, particularly Kariakoo, insisting that the facility is intended to complement, rather than replace, existing trading hubs.

The assurance follows concerns raised by some traders who fear the commercial centre could divert customers from traditional markets and create unfair competition if foreign businesses dominate the local retail sector.

The shopping mall which started operations recently, is designed to accommodate over 2,000 shops across multiple commercial zones, including international brands, regional...