The role of Czech Republic and Tanzania bilateral trade in the economic transformation in Tanzania
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Date
2019-02
Authors
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Journal ISSN
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Publisher
Kampala International University, College of Economics & management.
Abstract
Bilateral trade with Czech Republic, Tanzania’s Eastern European historical partner with
legacies of previous technological collaboration, manifested disparate trends over the
past three decades 1985-2015, provoking dialectics about the relevance of trade and
technology transfers among the post-socialist countries in the context of the economic
transformation in Tanzania. The purpose of this thesis was to render an exploratory study
of the nature of bilateral trade between Czech Republic and Tanzania, with the aim to
examine the role and value added of the bilateral trade and technology flows in enhancing
Tanzania’s economic transformation. The main objective was to assess the role of Czech
Republic and Tanzania bilateral trade in the economic transformation in Tanzania. The
independent variable, Bilateral Trade, was defined as trade made between two
contracting parties, with the purpose to reinforce relations and offer additional trade
benefits and privileges to the contracting parties. The dependent variable, Economic
Transformation, was defined as economic growth based on innovation and technological
adaptation and characterized by high levels of investment and rising productivity thanks
to technology, know-how and skills transfers. A comparative approach was used to cross
examining evidence derived from both secondary and primary sources of data, and
juxtaposing the data obtained by quantitative and qualitative methods to find the relevant
intertwines and indicators. The sample population in the qualitative part was 224
respondents and consisted of (1) the representatives of the international bodies in charge
of the bilateral trade between the Czech Republic and Tanzania, (2) the Tanzanian
governmental institutions in charge of bilateral trade with the Czech Republic, (3) the
representatives of Czech governmental institutions in charge of bilateral trade with
Tanzania, (4) Tanzanian/ (5) Czech private sector venturing into the trade investment in
the Czech Republic/ Tanzania. The research instruments included desk and public
documentary review, questionnaires, interviews and focus group discussions. The findings
of the study reveal that technology transfers emanating from bilateral trade between
Czech Republic and Tanzania maintained its relevance in the context of Tanzania’s
transformation. Czech technologies transferred to Tanzania were predominantly
classified as SITC (6) (Manufactured goods classified chiefly by material), SITC (7)
(Machinery and transport equipment) and SITC (8) (Miscellaneous manufactured
articles) of the Standard International Trade Classification (SITC); the technical
specifications of most of the technologies were found compatible with the strategic
objectives of Tanzania’s National Five-Year Development Plan 2016/2017 -2020/2021
and Tanzania Vision 2025; and most fulfilled the user requirements of Tanzanian small,
medium and large firms. Czech technologies that have been transferred and locally
adapted in the 1980-1989 remained in Tanzania’s industrialization portfolio, despite the
decreased volume of traded technologies stemming from geopolitical changes in the
1990s. The perceived opportunity for enhanced bilateral trade and trade-based
technology depended on their technical characteristics, user involvement, incentives and
support and communication.
Description
A Thesis Presented to the Directorate of Postgraduate Studies and Research Kampala International University in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Award Degree of Doctor of Philosophy in International Business Management
Keywords
Czech Republic, Tanzania bilateral trade, Economic transformation, Tanzania