THE government has commended the Universal Leaf Corporation for its contribution to the economy through its subsidiary companies of Tanzania Leaf Tobacco Company (TLTC) and Tanzania Tobacco Processors Limited (TTPL).
This was said by Morogoro Regional Commissioner Dr Stephen Kebwe at the function to celebrate 100 years of Universal Leaf Corporation, the parent company of TLTC and TTPL, which also celebrated 50 and 21 years of existence, respectively.
"As the government we commend the management of TLTC and TTPL for hard working to ensure the companies contribute significantly to the country's economic development," he said.
He said the two factories are among the 16 factories built by the founding father of the Nation Mwalimu Julius Nyerere in Morogoro to make the region an industrial hub.
And even after the privatisation they are among the few performing well and contributing greatly to economic and social development of the country.
Dr Kebwe said the TLTC and TTPL contribute to government revenues through taxes and foreign exchange earnings as well as employment opportunities to locals. More than 587 are fully employed while 2,000 on seasonal contracts.
The Managing Director of the two companies Mr Rory Micklem said they were happy to continue working with the government to contribute to the economic development of the country.
The MD also hailed the support and cooperation from the government, saying it has helped them to successfully run a business in Tanzania for 50 years.
"For the past 50 years the company has been operating in the country enjoyed good support from the government and its departments, without which our existence and our survival would not have been possible, we thank you very much, we are also looking forward to continued support from you in the coming years," he said.
