The Uganda Export Promotion Board (UEPB) in conjunction with the Uganda Consulate in Juba, Southern Sudan and the Association of the Ugandan Community in Southern Sudan (UCOSS), supported by the Ministry of Tourism, Trade and Industry, are planning to organize the first Uganda Solo Trade Fair in Southern Sudan scheduled to take place from 10th to 14th February 2010 at Nyakuron Cultural Centre in Juba.
According to the officials of the UEPB, Sudan, as a member of the Common Market of East and Southern Africa (COMESA) and Southern Sudan being “a next door market” Sudan has therefore emerged as number one export market for Uganda and that 90% of Southern Sudan’s imports come from Uganda.
Uganda’s exports to Sudan grew by 181% i.e. from $91.7 million in 2006 to $257.8 million in 2008.
The planned exhibition aims at showcasing Ugandan products and therefore to help forge business links among the producers, exporters and importers in Southern Sudan.
Uganda has made major market inroads in Sudan and thus the exhibition will help confirm the strategic importance of Sudan as an export market.
The officials added that Uganda and Southern Sudan have overtime forged strong political and economic relations ; hence the trade fair would serve to strengthen relationships of the business communities of the two countries.
The exhibition is expected to provide a unique opportunity for Ugandan exporters/companies to have direct interface with existing and potential buyers in Southern Sudan, expand and secure market/distribution outlets beyond Juba (Central Equatoria State) to the other nine states of Southern Sudan.
The business forum will offer opportunities for networking and discuss the problems facing trade between the two countries as well as reducing or eliminating the middlemen that may otherwise make products more expensive and in so doing reduce the competitiveness in the region.
The officials said participation in the exhibition was open to all Ugandan companies who meet the set out criteria including the fact that products/services to be showcased must be produced in Uganda, the company/service provider must demonstrate ability to supply or respond to market orders, the products must meet quality parameters/requirements as stated by the UNBS by going through the vetting process and the company or its representative must have been registered in Uganda.
Source African Press Agency
