A-TO-Z TARGETS US $ 70BN EXPORTS, BUT NEEDS SUPPORT

The Arusha-based, A-to-Z Textile Mills intend to make record exports of garments in future years when its two factory plants here are expected to sell abroad over US $ 70 billion worth of materials every year. The Company Executive Officer, Mr Anuj Shah said their dream will only come true with support from the government as well as the people of Tanzania because in order to crack the overseas markets to such an astounding level, A-to-Z must first establish a non-wavering domestic market. “We are making quality products many of which have already found reliable markets in South-Africa, Europe and the United States, but in order to really make it big there, our company needs ample local market base, because customers abroad will only value Tanzanian products if the citizens here also appreciate them,” said Mr Shah.
Left: Workers churning out clothes at one of the A-Z plants in Arusha. Right: A-Z Managing Director Anuj Shah speaking to the media recently. (Photo by Filbert Rweyemamu).
The A-to-Z Executive said the textile industry in Tanzania faces stiff challenge from the imported second-hand garments (Mitumba) that are preferred by many due to their lower price tags but his establishment has now managed to come up with products that will fit all sorts of pockets. “Bangladesh’s textile exports have reached US $ 70 Billion per year, but Tanzania has more resources and manpower, plus better technical know-how which means with slightly more support our industry here can top that with remarkable ease,” said Mr Shah. The support which Shah needs at the moment is some consideration on the costs on inputs and raw materials, because in other countries electricity charges for the production industries are lowered  in order to make them more competitive through cutting down overhead costs, he was on view that the state-owned Tanzania Electricity Supply Company should do the same for local establishments. A-to-Z which runs two factory plants in Unga-Limited area and Kisongo, apparently uses 100 per cent local cotton, ensuring support to local farmers and employs nearly 8500 Tanzanians directly. The factory, together with its other Arusha-based counterpart, Sun-Flag Limited, is compelled to compete with better supported outfits in Bangladesh, India, China and Vietnam in selling their garments abroad. Source: (Arusha times)