The Embassy of Uganda in Beijing, in partnership with the Qingdao Municipal Foreign Affairs Office and the Qingdao Municipal Bureau of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, today hosted the inaugural Uganda–Qingdao Agricultural Trade and Investment Conference in Qingdao City, Shandong Province.
A team led by H.E. Amb. Oliver Wonekha, the historic forum brought together a high-level Ugandan delegation featuring officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries, the Uganda Investment Authority (UIA), and private-sector representatives. The delegation showcased Uganda’s stable investment climate, competitive incentives, and young, skilled labour force, positioning the country as a strategic gateway to the East African Community (EAC) and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) markets.
In her keynote address, Ambassador Wonekha reaffirmed Uganda’s position as one of Africa’s most stable and promising destinations for investment.
“Uganda is prepared for transformative partnerships grounded in industrialization, technology transfer, investment financing, and trade facilitation,” Wonekha stated.
She highlighted Uganda’s youthful workforce, sustained political stability, expanding manufacturing sector, and vast agricultural potential as unmatched advantages for investors seeking long-term opportunities in the region.
“Uganda presents exceptional opportunities in agricultural production, value addition, and manufacturing for both regional and continental markets. We are here to connect with partners who recognize Uganda’s long-term potential,” she added.
Qingdaoa natural partner in modern Agriculture is widely recognized for its strengths in modern agriculture, Agri-tech, aquaculture, and agro-processing capabilities that closely align with Uganda’s national development priorities.
Speaking on behalf of Qingdao authorities, 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, emphasized the strong complementarity between the two sides stating “Qingdao has developed advanced capabilities in modern agriculture, aquaculture, and agri-technology. We see Uganda as a natural partner for expanding agricultural cooperation and building mutually beneficial industrial value chains.”
The Uganda–Qingdao Agricultural Trade and Investment Conference aims to Promote bilateral trade and economic cooperation, attract Chinese investment into Uganda’s agriculture and agro-processing sectors, facilitate technology transfer and capacity building, establish long-term agricultural value-chain partnerships, and position Uganda as a manufacturing and export hub for African markets.
