Masaka officials, Chinese investors sign pact
Masaka District chairperson Joseph Kalungi (L) and Ms Lyu Xianli during the signing of a partnership between Chinese investors and greater Masaka sub-region last Thursday. PHOTO BY MARTINS E. SSEKWEYAMA
What you need to know:
Authorities in greater Masaka sub-region have signed an agribusiness partnership with Chinese investors to revitalise the defunct processing plants in the region.
MASAKA. Authorities in greater Masaka sub-region have signed an agribusiness partnership with Chinese investors to revitalise the defunct processing plants in the region.
A delegation of 11 Chinese investors led by Ms Lyu Xianli, the deputy secretary of the Communist Party of China in Yibin Municipality, last Friday formalised the partnership with leaders in the eight districts of Masaka sub-region.
Ms Lyu Xianli signed on behalf of the Chinese investors while Mr Joseph Kalungi, the Masaka District chairperson, represented the eight districts.
The pact
According to the memorandum of understanding, the local authorities are required to provide a four-square mile piece of land at no cost for the establishment of an industrial park with agro-processing plants and other facilities.
Mr Patrick Mutabwire, the Ministry of Local Government permanent secretary, said the signing of the agreement is in line with government’s vision of spurring local economic transformation .
Mr George Mutabaazi, the Lwengo District chairperson, described the partnership as a grand investment opportunity to help the area develop.
Mr Mutabaazi said the sub-region has a lot of vacant land that can support agriculture alongside other potential investments.
Mr Zhao Yali, the Chinese ambassador, urged local authorities to create an enabling environment for the realisation of the partnership.
The investors expressed interest in tea and fruit processing, pork packing and fish cage farming, among others.
