In brief
Uganda’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced that the country’s presence at the China Import and Export Fair is intended to boost value‑addition in its agricultural and other products, with the goal of keeping more export earnings in Uganda. The strategy focuses on retaining more value by processing and packaging locally, and it is expected to create jobs and raise incomes for farmers. Uganda had 10 exhibitors at the fair, including coffee, shea butter and craft businesses.
In a statement issued by Uganda’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the government said its participation in China’s bi‑annual Canton Fair was aimed at boosting domestic value‑addition for agricultural and other products, thereby retaining more export earnings and generating jobs at home.
The statement, released a few days after the fair’s conclusion, explained that the country’s focus was to translate access to the Chinese market into increased local processing and packaging, ensuring that a greater share of export earnings remained in Uganda.
“Our participation was more than exhibiting products. It was about value addition, value retention, and prosperity along the value chain, from farmer to buyer,” said Judyth Nsababera, head of Uganda’s Consulate in Guangzhou, in the statement.
The Ugandan government added that the strategy would generate jobs and improve incomes for farmers and cooperatives.
According to the ministry’s report, Uganda sent 10 exhibitors to this year’s fair, comprising five coffee companies, two shea butter producers and three craft businesses.
