Published on 10/12/2025
Embassy of Uganda in Beijing, working with the Qingdao Municipal Foreign Affairs Office and the Qingdao Municipal Bureau of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, today hosted the first Uganda–Qingdao Agricultural Trade and Investment Conference in Qingdao City, Shandong Province.
Led by H.E. Amb. Oliver Wonekha, forum brought together a high-level Ugandan delegation comprising officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries, the Uganda Investment Authority (UIA), and private sector representatives. The delegation presented Uganda’s investment environment, available incentives and growing workforce, positioning the country as a gateway to markets under the East African Community (EAC) and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
Uganda Showcases Its Value Proposition
In her keynote address, Ambassador Wonekha reaffirmed Uganda’s position as a stable and attractive destination for investment.
“Uganda is prepared for partnerships built on industrialisation, technology transfer, investment financing and trade facilitation,” she said.
She pointed to Uganda’s youthful workforce, political stability, expanding manufacturing base and agricultural potential as key strengths for investors seeking long-term opportunities.
“Uganda offers clear opportunities in agricultural production, value addition and manufacturing for both regional and continental markets. We are here to engage partners who see Uganda’s long-term potential,” she added.
Qingdao as a Partner in Modern Agriculture
Qingdao is noted for its strengths in modern agriculture, agritech, aquaculture and agro-processing, sectors that align with Uganda’s development priorities.
Speaking on behalf of the Qingdao authorities, Mr. Cui Zuo, Vice Chairman of the CPPCC Qingdao Municipal Committee, Chairman of the Qingdao Municipal Federation of Industry and Commerce, and President of the Qingdao General Chamber of Commerce, said the two sides complement each other.
“Qingdao has built strong capacity in modern agriculture, aquaculture and agri-technology. We see Uganda as a suitable partner for expanding agricultural cooperation and developing shared industrial value chains,” he said.
UIA Calls for Deeper Investment
Addressing Chinese investors, Mr. Fred Kakooza, Deputy Director General, One-Stop Centre at the Uganda Investment Authority, said Uganda is ready to host large-scale agricultural and manufacturing investments.
“Uganda remains one of Africa’s most attractive investment destinations. With tax incentives, protections for foreign investors and wide opportunities in agriculture, manufacturing and agro-processing, we invite Chinese partners to set up manufacturing and processing hubs in Uganda for regional export,” he said.
