Market Update: Blue economy cooperation set to spur development – Full Analysis

ZANZIBAR: THE high-level meeting between the Offices of the Union Vice President and the Second Vice President of Zanzibar is expected to strengthen cooperation and deliver tangible benefits to citizens, particularly through the Blue Economy sector.

Held yesterday in Zanzibar, the session brought together Permanent Secretaries to review preparations for a special meeting of the Joint Committee scheduled later this year.

The discussions focused on advancing Union and non-Union matters, while ensuring practical outcomes for citizens.

Permanent Secretary of the Office of the Second Vice-President of Zanzibar and chair of the meeting, Dr Islam Seif Salum said that collaboration in the Blue Economy will create new opportunities for sustainable growth.

Zanzibar has already established a dedicated ministry to oversee the sector, while the Union government’s Vice-President’s Office has a specialised unit managing related initiatives.

“I encourage experts from Mainland Tanzania and Zanzibar to deepen cooperation in the Blue Economy to ensure it benefits citizens,” Dr Salum said.

Acting Permanent Secretary of the Union Vice President’s Office, Mr Abdallah Mitawi, highlighted efforts to provide specialised training on Union education, describing it as a strategic tool to enhance citizen awareness and prevent misinformation.

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He also called on officials to expand collaboration by addressing other key agendas affecting both Mainland Tanzania and Zanzibar.

“It is important for officers from Procurement, Human Resources, Legal, Environment, and the Blue Economy departments to meet, share opportunities, discuss challenges, and work together on solutions,” he said.

The meeting also presented a Comprehensive Public Education Plan on the Union, designed to inform citizens about its history, principles, benefits and opportunities.

Updates were shared on government coordination systems, including frameworks for Union and non-Union matters.

This session forms part of preparations for a higher-level ministerial cooperation meeting, aiming to translate policy discussions into measurable benefits for the people of both Mainland Tanzania and Zanzibar.