Ugandan ambassadors in four day retreat on economic diplomacy
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs(MOFA) has organized a joint Regional Economic and Commercial diplomacy retreat with heads of Uganda Missions from neighboring countries under the ‘Ring States’ including Rwanda, Tanzania, Kenya, Democratic Republic of Congo, Somalia, South Sudan, and Burundi to boost the regional economic growth and development.
The commencement of a four-day retreat at Serena Resort-Kigo was organized under the theme "Enhanced Economic Growth and Development through Promotion of Economic and Commercial Diplomacy," aimed at securing export markets.
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Minister of State for Regional Cooperation, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, John Mulimba, challenged the heads of missions to push for the removal of non-tariff and technical barriers that restrict Ugandan goods from accessing regional markets.
“There’s what we call the common market protocol that calls for a common market across east African region partner states so that we can have a free and fair competitive market across the region” Mulimba stated.
He added there’s a need to align Uganda's plans with the National Development Plan (NDP 4) and develop a clear strategy for economic and commercial diplomacy.
The event attracted various state holders, including, the chairman of the Presidential Advisory Committee on Exports and Industrial Development (PACEID), Odrek Rwabwogo, Private Sector Foundation Uganda (PSFU) Chief Executive Officer, Stephen Asiimwe among others to discuss strategies, frameworks to promote economic and commercial diplomacy.
The Ministry also projected Uganda’s areas of the economy, citing agricultural production, tourism’s sector’s impressive earnings over $1.2 billion last year among others.
According to the Permanent Secretary MOFA, Vicent Bagiire , the retreat provided a platform for addressing regional challenges and exploring solution based opportunities for further growth investments.
Bagiire highlighted the need to increase the presence of the goods and products in the markets across the region where they are accredited.
“Uganda through investors has over 5000 factories that produce goods that are supposed have markets across the region so as to contribute to country’s economy”
The retreat is expected to yield a draft action plan for economic and commercial diplomacy for the financial year 2024/2025 and a way forward for future retreats.
This historic gathering demonstrates Uganda's commitment to strengthening regional economic ties and promoting economic growth.
