TASAC proposes measures to increase fishing revenue in Bagamoyo

Bagamoyo. The Tanzania Shipping Agencies Corporation (TASAC) has called on the Tanzania Revenue Authority (TRA) to lower taxes on raw materials used to repair fishermen's boats.

TASAC chairman Mussa Mandia argued that reducing these costs would enhance boat durability, efficiency and ultimately, increase fishing revenue for Bagamoyo Municipality.

The high costs of obtaining repair materials for boats have resulted in the government missing out on revenue from fishing activities.

This was said on Thursday, July 25, 2024, by TASAC board chairman Mussa Mandia, during a visit to the Bagamoyo Port to inspect the port's efficiency and infrastructure.

The board also visited the Mbegani Fisheries Institute and Kaole Fishing Dock.

To encourage businesses and transporters to use Bagamoyo Port more frequently, the board requested the Tanzania Ports Authority (TPA) to ensure they put in place good infrastructure at the port.

A boat operator, Mr Mohamed Mwinyijuma, stated that fibre boats are strong and safe, but their materials are expensive, asking the government to reduce costs by lowering taxes.

"The cost of building fibre boats is high, we ask the Tanzania Revenue Authority to reduce taxes so that boat builders can use these materials more,” he said.

Acording to the 2022 census of vessels, Tanzania has a total of 52,189 small vessels engaged in fishing, passenger, and cargo transportation.