Uganda and the People’s Republic of China have signed the protocol on dried chilies and wild aquatic products like Nile perch fillets, headless and gutted Nile perch, fish maw, fish skins, fish scales, and silverfish to boost trade.
The Minister for Agriculture, Animals, Industry, and Fisheries, Frank K. Tumwebaze, said that the signing of the two protocols is an advancement for Uganda’s agricultural export development and will contribute to creating a balance of trade with China.
Tumwebaze revealed this during the presentation of the recently signed protocols for the export of dried chilies and wild aquatic products between the Republic of Uganda and the People’s Republic of China on Tuesday, October 1, 2024, at Uganda Media Centre, Kampala.
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He emphasized that Uganda is in a good position to meet Chinese market demands while maintaining the highest standards of food quality and safety for its exports.
Additionally, he stated that by signing the two protocols, Ugandan registered traders would be acknowledged by Chinese Customs authorities and permitted to export products directly without going through tedious and shady channels operated by manipulative middlemen.
Tumwebaze advised potential exporters of dried chilies and wild aquatic goods to prepare and take advantage of the new opportunities these protocols will bring.
He underlined the export producers that must be followed for any entity’s products to gain admission to the China market.
“All prospective export companies must apply and register with the General Administration of Customs of the People’s Republic of China (GACC). For purposes of process facilitation, all intending exporters must formally write to MAAIF (the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry, and Fisheries) expressing interest in exporting to the Chinese market. The Ministry will carry out a pre-audit on the export compliance status of the various establishments and thereafter recommend the entity(ies) to GACC for registration,” Tumwebaze stated.
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The minister further said that the Permanent Secretary will promptly handle and expedite this process (export registration and compliance with GACC) by forming a specific task unit of technical officers inside MAAIF.
He urged anyone considering exporting any of the mentioned goods to always take the time to conduct research and study the market segment-specific export regulations and standards.
The government will keep negotiating with China to conclude the other pending protocols on avocado, meat, and Custer oil, among others.
The government took part in the recently concluded 9th Forum on China-Africa Cooperation held in Beijing from 2nd to 8th September 2024.
