Singapore and Tanzania’s complementary strengths can create good jobs, growth: President Tharman

Singapore President Tharman Shanmugaratnam announced on June 9 that his country will begin negotiations for a free trade agreement (FTA) with the East African Community (EAC), which includes Tanzania. This would be Singapore’s first FTA with an African bloc and the EAC’s first with a non-African partner, aiming to strengthen trade and investment ties between Southeast Asia and East Africa. During his state visit to Tanzania, President Tharman emphasized the complementary strengths of both nations, citing Tanzania’s young workforce, natural resources, and strategic market position alongside Singapore’s expertise in supply chains, digital economy, and efficient systems. He described Tanzania as a ‘country of immense promise’ and stressed that collaboration could create jobs, boost capabilities, and drive inclusive growth. Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan welcomed the partnership, noting Singapore’s success in economic transformation, port development, and investment management as a reference for Tanzania’s industrialization and logistics goals. She suggested replicating Singapore’s rice supply agreements with Vietnam and Thailand by establishing similar pacts for Tanzanian agricultural exports like coffee, tea, cashew nuts, and spices. Bilateral trade between Singapore and Tanzania reached $227.7 million in 2025, with Singaporean companies active in transport, logistics, infrastructure, hospitality, and oil and gas sectors. A joint business forum at the Julius Nyerere International Convention Centre brought together Singaporean and Tanzanian leaders to explore opportunities in agri-business, tourism, and infrastructure. The Singapore Business Federation (SBF) co-organized the event, with a delegation of 15 companies representing diverse industries accompanying President Tharman. Both leaders underscored the need for diversified trade corridors and resilient supply chains amid global economic uncertainties, framing the FTA negotiations as a step toward deeper economic integration.