DAR ES SALAAM, Nov. 21 -- Imports of goods and services rose by 5.79 per cent in the year ending September, driven mainly by higher demand for industrial supplies, transport equipment and parts, as well as machinery and mechanical appliances.

The increase in imports underscores rising industrial activity that is critical for the countrys economic expansion, as higher demand for supplies and machinery reflects growing production capacity and investment.

The latest Bank of Tanzania (BoT) monthly economic review shows that goods and services imports increased to 17.73 billion US dollars from the 16.76 billion US dollars recorded in the same period last year.

Oil import, which accounts for 16.8 of total imports, saw a notable decline to 2....