Uganda-South Sudan trade expo on next month

In 2008, Uganda’s exports to South-Sudan grew by 181 per cent from $91.7 million in 2006 to $257.9.

Kampala
Preparations for the first Uganda-South Sudan trade exhibition which will see the elimination of trade barriers between the two countries have finally been finalised after failing about three months ago.

The Uganda Solo trade fair in Southern Sudan which had been planned for October 23 to 30 at Nyakuron Cultural Centre-Juba will now take place from February 10 to 14.

The event is organised by the Ugandan government, Uganda Export promotions Board (UEPB) in conjunction with the government of South Sudan.

Ugandan traders will showcase their products and forge business linkages among the producers, exporters and importers in South-Sudan.

Participation is open to companies registered in Uganda with products certified by the Uganda National Bureau of Standards, which will demonstrate the ability to quickly respond to market demand.

Addressing a news conference at the Media Centre on Friday, the Executive Director Uganda Export Promotions Board (UPEB) Mr Ben Naturinda said companies will showcase their products from manufacturing, food and beverages, services including construction, education, health, information technology, transport and insurance will pay participation fees of $500 each.
He said that all goods for the exhibition will be duty free including bringing back those which would not have been sold.

The minister of state for Trade Gagawala Wambuzi said the Uganda and South Sudan have over time forged strong political and economic relations and that the trade fair would serve to strengthen the relationship between business communities of the two countries.

Last year South Sudan was ranked the number one market destination for Uganda’s exports accounting for almost 90 per cent, followed by Kenya, Switzerland, Rwanda and United Arab Emirates.

Mr Gagawala said that in 2008, Uganda’s exports to South-Sudan grew by 181 per cent from $91.7 million in 2006 to $257.9.

“That growing market can not go untapped,” said Mr Wambuzi, adding “Uganda helped in bringing back peace in South Sudan and we have to take advantage of it instead of seeing other countries dominating the virgin market.”

The government of Uganda mediated in the wrangles that existed between the government of Khartoum and the southern region and led to the signing of a Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA) in 2005, which brought peace in the Southern Sudan region.

Mr Wanbuzi said they will hold a business forum at the start of the exhibition which is expected to increase Uganda’s visibility in South Sudan and create opportunities for business interactions and eliminate middlemen who have for years made products expensive hence reducing competitiveness.

“The exhibition provides a unique opportunity for Ugandan exporters and companies to have a direct interface with existing and potential buyers in South-Sudan,” he said.

He said the governments of Uganda and that of South Sudan are expected to sign a memorandum of understanding to set up a joint trade committee that will identify and provide solutions to problems hampering bilateral trade and examine ways and means of increasing and diversifying mutual trade relations between the parties.