Govt wants new FCC board, members to deliver
DAR ES SALAAM: THE Minister for Industry and Trade, Dr Sulemani Jafo, has urged the newly appointed board of the Fair Competition Commission (FCC) to ensure swift and efficient handling of mergers that require timely processing.
Speaking during the inauguration of the new FCC board on Friday, Dr Jafo said the new team is responsible for helping the government to achieve its goals of boosting business growth and creating employment opportunities.
“We want to create jobs. The private sector has this responsibility and so does our ministry,” said Minister Jafo.
To meet these objectives, the minister stressed that the Ministry of Industry and Trade, through the FCC, must expedite the approval process for mergers.
He further urged the board members to work overtime, if necessary, to ensure this fundamental duty is fully accomplished.
The minister also called on the newly appointed FCC board members to carry out their work with the highest level of integrity and diligence.
The newly appointed board members include Mr Saidi Tunda from the National Development Corporation (NDC), Dr Shufaa Albeity from the Institute of Finance Management (IFM) and Prof Johaveness Aikael from the University of Dar es Salaam (UDSM).
Dr Jafo appointed the board members under the Fair Competition Act of 2003, Chapter 285, Section 62(6) and (7), along with its subsequent amendments.
He cautioned that poor performance by the board could have serious consequences for the government and the national economy.
“I have no doubt about your integrity, but let me remind you that poor performance by this board could disrupt the government activities,” Dr Jafo warned.
Dr Jafo urged FCC staff to cooperate with the board, highlighting that unity is a key component for the effective operation of any institution.
“I have great confidence in this board. I ask FCC staff to support it. You, the staff, are the engine of the institution,” said Dr Jafo.
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He also reminded the board members to familiarise themselves with the new laws recently passed by Parliament, stressing the importance of staying informed on these regulations.
“Parliament has passed new laws. You must revisit them thoroughly. Let us study these regulations so we can enhance our capacity,” Dr Jafo instructed the new board.
Furthermore, the minister emphasised the need for both the staff and the board members to foster a culture of mutual respect and cooperation to improve the institution’s efficiency.
“Let us care for one another. If we do, our work will be easier. Let us avoid creating unnecessary conflicts,” Dr Jafo stressed.
In reinforcing his call for unity and cooperation, Dr Jafo urged all FCC employees to work diligently, noting that it is an honour for an employee’s absence to be felt even when on leave.
“It should be a point of pride for an employee to work so well that their absence is noticed during leave. If you’re on a 28 day leave and no one calls you, ask yourself why. If no one calls, it means your value is low,” Dr Jafo remarked.
He also explained why he emphasised the importance of hard work, noting that employees should work for three main reasons: first, because the job pays their salary; second, because hardworking is a form of service; and third, because it helps them build a lasting legacy.
