Minister showers praise on research bodies

THE Government has expressed its satisfaction of the contribution made by research organisations and the role scholars play in augmenting its efforts of serving the people.

Speaking at the 5th Economic and Social Research Foundation (ESRF) Annual National Conference held in Dar es Salaam yesterday, Deputy Minister for Finance and Planning, Dr Ashatu Kijaji, said in Dar es Salaam yesterday that the country depends highly on the work done by researchers.

“Intellectual contribution is extremely important to policy makers in the government and other stakeholders as the government forces away with implementation of the Second Five Year Development Plan, as we prepare the implementation strategy which requires intellectual contribution from researchers and scholars,’’ she said.

ESRF in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), University of Dar es Salaam Business School (UDBS), the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) and the Ministry of Finance and Planning organised a conference themed Social Policy in the Context of Economic Transformation in Tanzania.

According to ESRF Executive Director, Dr Tausi Kida, eleven background papers of Tanzania human development report were lined-up for presentation by various researchers and scholars and that the deliberations will help in the compilation of the 2017 Tanzania Human Development Report (THDR) that is expected to be launched next year.

“ESRF is delighted that a comprehensive review will be done from this conference themed: ‘Social Policy in the Context of Economic Transformation in Tanzania.’ According to the representative of UNDP country director, Mr Amon Manyama, this year’s theme provides an opportunity for social policy and opportunities to discuss Tanzania’s development from a human perspective.

“The deliberations from this conference are informed by the THDR project that is supported by UNDP,’’ he said, adding that the UN body has been supporting Tanzania and other countries to pursue human development that improves people’s lives.

In his remarks ESRF Chairman of the Board of Trustees, Mr Philemon Luhanjo, said his organisation had managed to implement five phases of its strategic plan since its establishment and that it had recorded a significant contribution in Tanzania’s policy making and development process.

Daily News