The Tanzania Shipping Agencies Corporation (TASAC) has assured Zambian importers and users of the Port of Dar es Salaam that it is working to improve efficiency, reliability and service quality. The agency also advised customers to use licensed, registered and compliant service providers.
Speaking on behalf of the TASAC Director General at a stakeholders’ engagement forum in Ndola, Mr Sylvester Kanyika said Tanzania and Zambia have maintained strong trade, transport and economic ties over the years. He described the Dar es Salaam to Zambia corridor as an important trade link between the two countries.
Mr Kanyika said the growing volume of Zambia-bound cargo passing through the Port of Dar es Salaam makes stronger cooperation and efficient service delivery along the corridor necessary. He explained that TASAC regulates shipping agencies and maritime services, oversees safety and security, protects the marine environment, monitors service providers, regulates tariffs and charges, and helps resolve customer complaints and disputes.
He said TASAC has introduced improvements at the Port of Dar es Salaam to strengthen efficiency, reliability and service quality. He encouraged Zambian importers and traders to continue using the port with confidence.
Mr Kanyika also advised customers to avoid unregistered intermediaries, commonly known as “vishoka”, and instead work with licensed shipping and clearing agents. He warned that delays in securing Delivery Orders (DOs) can result in additional storage costs and demurrage charges.
He also drew attention to the Tanzania Shipping Agencies (Complaint Handling) Regulations, 2018, which require service providers to have systems in place to receive and resolve customer complaints.
Mr. Kanyika reaffirmed TASAC’s commitment to working with the Government of Zambia and other stakeholders to keep the Tanzania-Zambia trade corridor safe, efficient, reliable, competitive and responsive to the needs of its users.
source: TASAC
