Tanzania witnessed a substantial surge in its exports to Iran during the fiscal year 2021/22, with imports from the East African country increasing by 35 percent compared to the previous financial year.
The Iranian Ambassador to Tanzania, Hussein Behineh, revealed that goods valued at $35 million (equivalent to Sh82.25 billion) were imported from Tanzania during this period.
In contrast, Iran exported goods worth $95 million (about Sh223.25 billion) to Tanzania, marking a 15 percent increase compared to exports made between 2018 and 2020.
Speaking at the Dar es Salaam International Trade Fair (DITF), Ambassador Behineh highlighted the growing trade relationship between the two nations.
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He emphasized that Tanzania has long been considered a gateway to East Africa by Iranians, leading to the significant rise in trade volume.
The envoy expressed confidence in Iran’s potential to expand exports to Tanzania, specifically in the sales of oil products, fertilizers, iron and steel, medical equipment, chemicals, cereals, and flour, among others.
In the pharmaceutical sector alone, Tanzania imported $459 million (Sh1.079 trillion) worth of pharmaceutical products in 2021, with Iran contributing $104 million (Sh244.4 billion) to this figure.
Ambassador Behineh further stated that Iran’s imports from Tanzania, which are expected to reach $500 million, would include minerals, vegetables, cereals, oil seeds, coffee, tea, fruits, iron ore, and tobacco.
He underscored the historical ties between the two countries, dating back to the presence of Shirazes in the East African region, particularly in Dar es Salaam and Zanzibar.
The Iranian embassy in Tanzania is committed to strengthening and developing bilateral relations by facilitating connections between business communities in both nations. The 41st anniversary of diplomatic relations between Iran and Tanzania is being celebrated this year.
