Uganda and Italy Eye Deeper Trade and Investment Ties

President Yoweri Museveni has reiterated Uganda’s strong commitment to fostering closer ties with Italy, with a particular focus on boosting cooperation in coffee development, trade, investment, infrastructure projects, and skills enhancement.

These discussions took place during a courtesy call by the Italian Ambassador, Mauro Massoni, at State House. Ambassador Massoni provided President Museveni with an update on the progress of ongoing collaborations between the two nations.

Ambassador Massoni revealed that an Italian delegation, including representatives from finance, trade, and business sectors, is scheduled to visit Uganda. This delegation will engage with Ugandan counterparts to explore areas of mutual interest and potential partnerships.

A significant aspect of the impending visit will be the participation in the groundbreaking ceremony for a new Coffee House at Kyambogo University, underscoring a joint effort to bolster Uganda’s coffee sector and support smallholder farmers.

Further strengthening economic ties, both countries are preparing for the Uganda Business Forum set to be held in Rome this October. This forum is anticipated to facilitate new trade and investment opportunities between Ugandan and Italian businesses, with Uganda’s Ministry of Trade, Industry and Cooperatives expected to be a key participant.

The high-level discussions also touched upon infrastructure development, including prospects related to the Tororo Cement project. President Museveni expressed particular interest in initiatives that could improve Uganda’s regional transport and trade connectivity, especially enhancing rail links to Tanzania.

In the realm of human capital development, Ambassador Massoni highlighted an ongoing cooperation in healthcare and skills training, noting that doctors from Lubowa Hospital are currently undergoing specialized training in Italy.

These extensive engagements signify a shared ambition between Uganda and Italy to deepen their bilateral relationship and promote collaborative ventures in trade, investment, technology transfer, and skills development.

Source: Nile Post