MEMBERS of the private sector have been urged to strengthen their unity and speak with a common voice, especially now when their contribution to the economy is growing fast.

This comes at a time when efforts to change the constitution of the apex body for the sector in the country, Tanzania Private Sector Foundation (TPSF), are in top gear to facilitate inclusiveness, diverse membership and strengthening good governance in its operations.

The TPSF Chairperson, Ms Esther Mkwizu, told journalists in Dar es Salaam that there is every reason for the private sector to unite now than ever before. "We should strive to be strong as a group," she said, adding that under a new proposed setup every private sector person will have to become a member of a respective association and contribute toward making the apex body strong.

She said that TPSF members should work hard and make sound contribution to the economy. Currently, private sector contributes more than 700bn/- to the Tanzania Revenue Authority (TRA) every month.

"This is a significant contribution from the private sector to the government," she said, adding that with the new proposed set up in the offing, it is hoped that the sector will contribute even more efficiently.

On his part, the TPSF Executive Director, Mr Godfrey Simbeye said members should expect a more strong and vibrant private sector body from June this year when a new TPSF board will be formed under a new system with representatives from all crucial economic sectors in the country.

"People should expect a strong body and better things from TPSF," Mr Simbeye said, adding that it is now becoming clear that private sector is the engine of the economy.