The 1st Uganda-Tanzania business forum scheduled to take place on the 4th to 5th September 2019, in Dar-es-salaam has mounted high expectations as it will focus on the bilateral trade and investment opportunities between the two East African countries.
The forum which will take place at Julius Nyerere International Convention Centre is organized by Uganda High Commissioner in Tanzania, Private Sector Foundation Uganda and Tanzania Private Sector Foundation.
It will attract over 500 business participants from Uganda and Tanzania.
During the launch of the business forum at the Uganda’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs headquarters on Wednesday 10th July 2019, the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs in charge of regional Cooperation, Dr. Philemon Mateke said that since Uganda and Tanzania share a cordial relationship, business people should participate in the forthcoming business forum because of the many investment opportunities it will present.
He adds that the forum will be presided over by the heads of state of both countries.
“Uganda and Tanzania enjoy excellent cordial relations; this is the first ever business forum and there is no excuse why business people should not attend it. The Business forum will be presided over by the heads of state of Uganda and Tanzania and will also be attended by cabinet ministers and other government departments and policy makers,” he said.
The Tanzania High Commissioner to Uganda Ambassador Aziz Mlina stated that the key objective of the forum is to create an enabling platform that will allow the private sector from both countries to share experience, create business to business networks, among others.
“The key objective of this joint forum is to create an enabling platform that allows the private sector from the two countries to share experience, create business to business networks, identify opportunities and challenges of the on-going trade and investment and to showcase their products and services at the exhibition,” Mlina said.
Aziz added that those interested in participating in the business forum can register and be accredited online using the forum website.
The trade between Uganda and Tanzania has been increasing by 33% over the years.
In 2016, the value of Uganda’s exports to Tanzania was $69 million while Tanzania’s Exports to Uganda
was valued at US$27.52 Million.