The Minister of Finance, Planning and Economic Development, Matia Kasaija, has met with a high-level delegation from the Export-Import Bank of China (China EXIM Bank), led by its Vice President, Dr Yang Dongning, to strengthen bilateral cooperation aimed at accelerating Uganda’s industrialisation and long-term economic transformation.
The discussions focused on Uganda’s next phase of growth, anchored on the government’s ATMS strategy — agro-industrialisation, export expansion, and value addition in key sectors such as coffee, cotton, tea, other agricultural products, and minerals, including oil and gas. Tourism, science, technology, and innovation were also highlighted as priority sectors.
Minister Kasaija emphasised Uganda’s commitment to moving away from exporting raw materials, aiming instead to leverage China’s zero-tariff policy and access to global markets by focusing on processing, manufacturing, and higher-value exports.
Flanked by Dr Ramathan Ggoobi, the Permanent Secretary and Secretary to the Treasury (PSST), Kasaija expressed gratitude to the People’s Republic of China for its long-standing technical and financial support in sectors ranging from transport, energy, and health.
In a significant step to boost investment flows, Dr Yang Dongning committed to supporting the organisation of a “Uganda Day” in China. The event will provide a dedicated platform to mobilise potential investors, showcase Uganda’s opportunities, and connect Ugandan enterprises with Chinese manufacturers and financiers.
“This initiative will anchor a broader push to strengthen economic and commercial diplomacy, deepen private sector linkages, and position Uganda as a preferred investment destination in Africa,” he said.
Both sides agreed to scale up support for industrial parks, focusing on improved land access, utilities, and logistics infrastructure to enhance productivity and attract large-scale investments.
China EXIM Bank reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Uganda’s development priorities through a diversified financing framework, including trade finance for Ugandan importers and exporters, blended financing models combining loans and equity, equity investments and strategic partnerships, syndicated financing arrangements, and other tailored financial products.
Minister Kasaija underscored the importance of flexible and innovative financing structures to support large-scale investments and accelerate implementation of priority projects.
Additionally, both parties highlighted the need to strengthen technical and vocational education and training (TVET) to ensure a skilled workforce capable of supporting industrial expansion and meeting investor requirements.