ii)to meet with organisations in charge of trade, tourism and investment in Uganda, in order to foster working relationships, and iii) to discuss Uganda’s participation in the oncoming Invest in Africa forum scheduled to take place in September 2016, in the Province.
The delegation was met by the Executive Director, UIA, Investment Promotion Officer, Ms. Hope Waira and PR Assistant, Ms. Jackie Namatovu.
In his remarks, the Head of Delegation, Mr. Chen Qingsheng, who is the Director of Guangdong Foreign Affairs Office, expressed gratitude to the Ministry of foreign Affairs for coordinating the visit, and to UIA for meeting with them. He elaborated on the purpose of their visit, detailing the importance of the Invest in Africa forum and extended a verbal invitation to UIA.
The ED, Dr. Frank Sebbowa welcomed the delegation and appreciated the cordial working relations Uganda has with China. He briefed the delegation on the priority areas for investment in Uganda, namely Agro-processing, Tourism, mineral beneficiation and ICT. He particularly encouraged the delegation to consider the opportunities in agro-processing and tourism where Uganda has abundant resources and a comparative advantage in the region. He further elaborated on reasons why the Chinese business community should invest in Uganda, citing a predictable environment, liberalized economy, government commitment to private sector investment, trainable and affordable labor among other advantages.
The IPD representative presented the business registration procedure for establishing an investment in Uganda. She highlighted the operational One Stop Centre that is in place to facilitate and expedite this process.
As a way forward, the Head of delegation requested that;
- UIA sets up a website for the Chinese (Guangzhou) business community to access the investment opportunities presented by the ED,
- UIA provides information on the investment policy, tax regime and procedures to establish investments in Uganda
- UIA should work with Uganda’s Counsel General in China, Mr. Solomon Rutega, on organising an investment forum in Guangdong and vice versa, to explore investment opportunities.
The delegation presented a documentary (DVD) about Guangdong Province.
Pictorial
