Rajesh Kumar, the acting chairman of the Forum, said their work focuses on three key areas: attracting investment into Uganda, advocating for favorable business policies, and providing a networking platform for both Ugandan and Indian businesses.
Speaking at a Uganda–India trade dialogue in Kampala, Kumar said the event brought together a 15-member delegation from the Federation of Indian Export Organisations (FIEO) and Ugandan business associations including the Kampala City Traders Association (KACITA), the Private Sector Foundation Uganda, the Uganda Manufacturers Association, the Uganda Small Scale Industries Association, and the Pharmaceutical Society.
The delegates represented diverse sectors such as plant and machinery, pharmaceuticals, textiles, herbal and animal medicine.
Business-to-business meetings were organised to explore partnerships and opportunities for sourcing quality products from India while promoting Ugandan exports to the Indian market.
A key issue raised was the need for duty-free access for certain goods traded between the two countries.
Kumar noted that some Ugandan exporters are unaware that India already grants duty-free access to selected products.
He said the Forum, in consultation with the Indian High Commission, will soon publish a list of these items to help Ugandan traders take advantage of the opportunity.
“The most important theme is how Uganda and India can agree on tax-free items both ways so that trade becomes more balanced,” Kumar said.
The three-day dialogue will also discuss policy alignment, with the aim of easing barriers that hinder trade and investment between the two countries.