Uganda-China Economic investment and Trade Cooperation Forum debuts

The first ever Uganda-China Economic forum took place today morning at the Munyonyo Common Wealth Resort Hotel, Speke Ball Room. The forum was aimed at building closer ties in trade and technology between the two nations.

Vice President HE Edward Ssekandi while opening the forum today morning said the Forum having been attended by knowledgeable business men, it will open up a space for candid dialogue.

“I believe that for us to develop in areas that will bring significant ROI, this relationship (Uganda-China) is valuable and we must learn from each and help one another to achieve the greater economic progress.

Chinese Ambassador to Uganda H.E Zheng Zhuqiang said the forum is beneficial to both nations as they strive to achieve development. “We are ready to help Uganda become one of the most developed countries in the world and with such forums, opportunities are opened and trade ties enhanced.

Jolly Kamugira, Executive Director Uganda Investment Authority (UAI) said that as long as Uganda succeeds in industrial development, more jobs will be created developing the economy as a whole.

Nkuutu Kirunda, one of the speakers at the Forum said, “When it comes to taking Uganda where it needs to be, we need to make sure we stop leaving things on paper”

“Bureaucracy in Uganda is dealt with by politics. If people are not delivering, sack them,” Fred Muhumuza of the Ministry of Finance said.

The Minister of State for Finance in charge of Investments Hon. Evelyn Anite said Uganda has taken a deliberate step to give our investors in Uganda land for free as a way of attracting more investors.

Zheng Biao, acting Country Manager of China Communications Construction Company (CCCC) said with such forums, the trade ties between Uganda and China will be strengthened giving a conducive investing atmosphere in both countries. “If we build strong economic, investment and trade cooperation, our companies will find it easy to carry work in Uganda same as in China. Its key to maintain and strengthen current trade ties between the two countries,” Zheng said.

The forum was sponsored by Chinese Enterprises Chamber of Commerce Uganda, Uganda Investment Authority (UAI), Toyota Uganda, Stanbic Bank, Blink, Spear Motors Limited, Hima Cement and Schenker.