Tanzania, Singapore sign key bilateral agreements to drive trade

Dar es Salaam. President Samia Suluhu and her Singaporean counterpart, Tharman Shanmugaratnam, have witnessed the signing of five landmark bilateral agreements aimed at vastly expanding trade, investment, and economic cooperation between the two nations.

The high-level signings took place at State House in Dar es Salaam on June 9, 2026 during the first-ever state visit by a Singaporean head of state to Tanzania.

The historic visit coincides with the forty-fifth anniversary of formal diplomatic relations between the two countries.

Central to the new economic framework is a formal Agreement on the Avoidance of Double Taxation.

This treaty is designed to eliminate fiscal barriers, prevent tax evasion, and encourage a greater flow of cross-border investments between Asian and East African businesses.

The two governments also signed a major Memorandum of Understanding on carbon credits collaboration under Article 6 of the Paris Agreement.

This pact allows both countries to cooperate on green economy initiatives and trade high-quality carbon credits to meet global sustainability targets.

Further bilateral instruments were exchanged to formalise cooperation in critical development sectors.

These include an agreement to establish regular diplomatic consultations between the respective ministries of foreign affairs, alongside dedicated frameworks for skills development and capacity building in trade facilitation.

During a joint press conference, both leaders welcomed the announcement that the East African Community intends to pursue a Free Trade Agreement with Singapore.

This negotiation would mark the first time the East African regional bloc enters free trade talks with a partner outside of the African continent.

President Samia stated that Singapore’s historic success in port management, digital infrastructure, and logistics offers invaluable blueprints for Tanzania's current industrialisation strategy.

President Shanmugaratnam emphasised that diversifying trade corridors is essential for both countries to navigate an increasingly uncertain global economic landscape.