Uganda is making a bold statement on the global trade stage with its vibrant presence at the third phase of the 137th China Import and Export Fair, popularly known as the Canton Fair, currently underway in Guangzhou China.
Among more than 12,000 global exhibitors and 284 importers from 30 countries, Uganda is standing out as one of ten nations with a dedicated national pavilion.
The country is spotlighting its premium coffee, organic produce, and handcrafted goods—part of a broader effort to boost exports and deepen trade ties with China.
“Our focus is on promoting high-quality Ugandan exports, especially coffee, which is increasingly appealing to Chinese consumers looking for premium and sustainable products,” said Uganda’s Consul General in Guangzhou, Ambassador Judyth Nsababera.
Uganda is capitalizing on the Canton Fair’s massive global platform to forge partnerships with Chinese importers and distributors. The event, themed around lifestyle and quality of life, covers over 515,000 square metres and features over 24,000 booths in five major categories, including home textiles, fashion, and leisure products.
At Uganda’s pavilion, visitors are treated to the rich aroma of Ugandan coffee—both robusta and arabica—prized for its unique taste and organic growing methods. Uganda’s appeal is further bolstered by strategic trade agreements under the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) and preferential treatment through China’s Least Developed Countries (LDC) initiative.
Uganda is hopeful that China’s growing coffee culture presents a timely opportunity for the country to have a wider market. Uganda is at the Canton Fair mainly to build long-term, mutually beneficial trade relationships.
The Canton Fair has long been a bridge between global suppliers and the vast Chinese market. For Uganda, this year’s participation marks another step toward diversifying its export destinations and building ‘Brand Uganda’ as a source of traceable, sustainable, and high-quality goods.