DODOMA, May 23 -- OWNERS of tea processing factories in the country have appealed to the government to reduce packaging costs, saying the expenses contribute significantly to the high cost of production, making it difficult for local producers to compete in the market.

The appeal was made by Business and Marketing Manager of Afri Tea and Coffee Company, Mr Kassu Issa, during the commemoration of International Tea Day held in Dodoma.

Mr Issa said the high cost of packaging materials has been a major hurdle for manufacturers, calling on the government to intervene by exploring possibilities of cost reduction to make the sector more competitive.

“The tea market has been economically beneficial to the country. To expand the industry ...