Efforts are made on both sides to broaden and intensify contacts between the two countries. In the area of trade and commercial cooperation, Sweden is actively supporting the private sector in Tanzania through its development cooperation programme. These contributions are aimed at expanding knowledge on market economy among Tanzanian entrepreneurs and strengthening the financial sector, as well as easing Tanzania's integration in the global trade system, but also at stimulating trade exchange with Sweden.Sweden supports Tanzania Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture (TCCIA), which is the biggest non-governmental organisation of the Tanzanian private sector. TCCIA has set up a fruitful cooperation with its counterpart in Southwest Sweden. A Sweden Tanzania Business Forum, established by Swedish or Swedish-related local companies Tanzania is working actively to promote business ties. These companies and the Embassy of Sweden meet on a regular basis. Visiting Swedish companies are offered assistance by the Embassy in their contacts with Tanzanian partners. Swedish export to Tanzania is on the rise. In 1998, it almost doubled. Main products are electrical appliances, telecommunications equipment, machinery, vehicles, spare parts and other manufactured products. Imports from Tanzania have decreased in the past years. Imports mainly consist of coffee, tea, cocoa and spices. The Embassy estimates that active marketing could contribute to increased Tanzania exports to Sweden.Foreign investment in Tanzania is gaining ground. Swedish companies are established here since long, in some cases more than 25 years. Scania, ABB, Ericsson, Skanska and Volvo are among the most prominent ones. A bilateral agreement on the promotion and protection of investments has been made between Sweden and Tanzania.