The European Union (EU) has reiterated its insistence on import standards from Uganda and other nations, emphasizing the importance of ensuring public safety. Despite this stance, the EU expresses its commitment to collaborating with Ugandan authorities and the private sector to meet market requirements.
Over nearly a decade, the EU has intensified its standards enforcement, particularly concerning fresh produce such as fruits, vegetables, and cut flowers, implementing measures like consignment blockades. The Ugandan government has also suspended exports of certain agricultural products to the EU until farmers, processors, and exporters comply with required standards.
Ambassador Jan Sadek, Head of the EU Delegation in Uganda, stresses the non-negotiable nature of meeting public demands. Additionally, the EU plans to implement a policy barring coffee from Uganda produced in areas deforested by 2020 as part of anti-degradation efforts.
Sadek assures collaboration with local authorities to meet the 2025 deadline without disrupting the coffee industry, highlighting discussions ahead of the 3rd Uganda-European Union Business Forum scheduled for the following month in Kampala.
Evelyn Anite Kajik, State Minister for Investment and Privatization, acknowledges Uganda’s commitment to the impending coffee ban, emphasizing the environmental preservation aspect and the criticality of retaining the EU market, which absorbs 65% of Uganda’s coffee.
The forum aims to attract investments into Uganda and strengthen exports to the EU market, with trade valued at approximately 1.5 billion euros, slightly favoring Uganda’s exports. Amb. Sadek notes the EU’s 45% share in foreign investments in Uganda and emphasizes the need to further promote investment for job creation, aligning with the forum’s focus.
Under the theme “Boosting trade and investments: What can Uganda gain from the Global Gateway?” the 2024 Uganda-European Union Business Forum aims to facilitate trade and investment in key sectors like agribusiness, minerals, infrastructure (especially energy and digital), and tourism.
The Uganda Investment Authority (UIA) highlights the forum’s potential to create opportunities, urging both European investors and Ugandan entrepreneurs to capitalize on sectors like hospitality, pathology, and vegetable oil production.
Humphrey Nzeyi, Chairperson of the Private Sector Foundation (PSFU), underscores their commitment to fostering a conducive investment climate and robust business partnerships between Uganda and the EU, emphasizing mutual benefits for both parties through constructive dialogue and joint action.
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