The Embassy of the Republic of Uganda in Beijing has hosted the “Pearl of Africa: Uganda–Hangzhou Tourism & Investment Conference” at the WTC Narada Hotel in Hangzhou, bringing together government officials, investors, tourism stakeholders, and business leaders to strengthen cooperation between Uganda and the city of Hangzhou.
The conference underscored the growing partnership between Uganda and China at the subnational level, with a focus on tourism development, investment promotion, hospitality, and technology-driven solutions.
The event was officially opened by H.E Ambassador Oliver Wonekha, Head of Mission of the Uganda Embassy in Beijing, and Mr Lu Jun, Deputy District Chief of the Xihu District People’s Government.
Both leaders highlighted the importance of fostering closer ties between Uganda and Hangzhou, emphasising opportunities for collaboration in tourism, trade, innovation, and cultural exchange.
In her remarks, Ambassador Wonekha reaffirmed Uganda’s commitment to expanding partnerships that support sustainable tourism growth and attract quality investment into the country.
Hangzhou, one of China’s leading tourism and innovation hubs, presents significant opportunities for collaboration with Uganda. The city boasts a thriving tourism industry and a dynamic digital economy anchored by globally recognised technology companies.
Discussions at the conference focused on how Hangzhou’s strengths in smart tourism, hotel management, digital solutions, and investment capital can complement Uganda’s growing tourism sector and development priorities.
Ambassador Richard Kabonero, Head of the Regional Economic Cooperation Department, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, showcased Uganda’s investment potential across priority sectors,s including tourism, agriculture, manufacturing, mineral development, renewable energy, infrastructure, and information and communications technology.
He emphasised Uganda’s strategic position at the heart of East Africa, its youthful and dynamic population, an improving business environment, and access to regional and international markets.
He further outlined the Government of Uganda’s efforts to facilitate investment through policy reforms, attractive incentives, and public-private partnerships, encouraging enterprises from Hangzhou and across China to explore opportunities in Uganda’s tourism and hospitality industry.
“Uganda offers tremendous opportunities for investors seeking sustainable and high-growth ventures. By combining Uganda’s rich natural and tourism assets with Hangzhou’s expertise in technology, innovation, hospitality management, and investment capital, we can build partnerships that create value for both sides while contributing to sustainable economic development,” Ambassador Kabonero said.
The conference concluded with the signing of several Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) between Ugandan and Hangzhou-based partners, marking concrete progress in hotel development, tour operator collaboration, technology cooperation, and tourism promotion.
The agreements are expected to enhance tourism flows, strengthen business linkages, and support the development of modern tourism infrastructure and services in Uganda.