The Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Okello Oryem has revealed that preparations are in high gear for Uganda to participate in the Dubai World Expo 2020.
Oryem made the pronouncement during the 4th annual virtual Uganda – UAE convention on Wednesday.
“I wish to inform you that Uganda is preparing to participate in the Dubai World Expo 2020. The Government of UAE (United Arab Emirates) has generously offered Uganda a pavilion at the opportunity theme park. We are very appreciative and grateful for the offer and will utilize the pavilion to showcase Uganda for what it is. The participation at the expo is expected to promote Uganda’s products, culture and diversity to the entire world,” said Oryem.
He added that there are still enormous opportunities for the increase of trade between both countries.
Oryem rooted for the involvement of private sector more in the conventions like this, saying that it is private sector at the front line of business and trade in order to increase the trade volume between both countries.
The expo, he said will enable the Ministry to contribute in the realization of Government’s focus on attracting Foreign Direct Investment (FDI), attracting trade and tourism to Uganda from the Middle East as whole and UAE in particular as part of the implementation of National Development Plan III.
“The relationship between Uganda and United Arab Emirates is strong, strategic, invaluable and is developing further. Uganda has signed several agreements and others are being negotiated with the UAE. I wish to urge the business community to take advantage of these enabling instruments to promote trade,” he said.
Further, Oryem noted that UAE is the most important crossroad country in the Middle East linking Uganda with the middle eastern world, adding that the country is the most important hub for transiting to the Americas and Europe to the West and Asia – China, Japan to the East.
