Uganda and Qingdao Host Inaugural Agricultural Trade and Investment Conference in China

Qingdao, Shandong Province — The Embassy of Uganda in Beijing, in collaboration with the Qingdao Municipal Foreign Affairs Office and the Qingdao Municipal Bureau of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, convened the first-ever Uganda–Qingdao Agricultural Trade and Investment Conference in Qingdao City, Shandong Province.

Led by H.E. Ambassador Oliver Wonekha, the high-level Ugandan delegation included officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries, the Uganda Investment Authority (UIA), and representatives from the private sector.

The team presented Uganda’s stable investment environment, competitive incentives, and youthful, skilled labour force—positioning the country as a strategic entry point to the East African Community (EAC) and African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) markets.

Uganda Presents a Strong Value Proposition

Delivering the keynote address, Ambassador Wonekha reaffirmed Uganda’s status as one of Africa’s most stable and attractive investment destinations. “Uganda is prepared for transformative partnerships grounded in industrialisation, technology transfer, investment financing, and trade facilitation,” she said.

She highlighted the country’s youthful population, consistent political stability, expanding manufacturing base, and vast agricultural potential as key advantages for investors seeking sustainable, long-term opportunities.

“Uganda offers exceptional opportunities in agricultural production, value addition, and manufacturing for both regional and continental markets. We are here to connect with partners who recognise Uganda’s long-term potential,” she added.

Qingdao: A Natural Partner in Agricultural Modernisation

Qingdao is internationally recognised for its leadership in modern agriculture, agritech innovation, aquaculture, and agro-processing—strengths that align closely with Uganda’s development priorities.

Representing Qingdao authorities, Mr Cui Zuo, Vice Chairman of the CPPCC Qingdao Municipal Committee and President of the Qingdao General Chamber of Commerce, highlighted the strong synergy between the two sides:

“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.”

Uganda Investment Authority Calls for Stronger Partnerships

Addressing Chinese investors, Mr Fred Kakooza, Deputy Director General of the UIA One-Stop Centre, emphasised Uganda’s readiness to host large-scale agricultural and manufacturing enterprises.

“Uganda is one of Africa’s most promising investment destinations. With generous tax incentives, strong protections for foreign investors, and vast opportunities across agriculture, manufacturing, and agro-processing, we invite Chinese partners to establish manufacturing and processing hubs in Uganda for regional export,” he said.

Conference Objectives

The Uganda–Qingdao Agricultural Trade and Investment Conference seeks to: strengthen bilateral trade and economic cooperation, attract Chinese investment into Uganda’s agriculture and agro-processing sectors, promote technology transfer and capacity building, develop long-term agricultural value-chain partnerships and position Uganda as a manufacturing and export hub for African markets.