Istanbul, Türkiye — A high-level Ugandan delegation led by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Bagiire Vincent Waiswa, held a strategic meeting with Mr. Bahadır Yaşik, Executive Board Member of the Istanbul Chamber of Commerce, as part of Uganda’s continued push to deepen economic cooperation with Türkiye.
The meeting, organised by Uganda’s Embassy in Ankara, took place in Istanbul and focused on fostering stronger trade and investment relations between Uganda and Türkiye’s economic hub. Mr. Bagiire was accompanied by Uganda’s Ambassador to Türkiye, H.E. Nusura Tiperu, Deputy Director for Investment Promotion, and Uganda Tourism Board Marketing Manager, Mr. Francis Nyende.
Istanbul, Türkiye’s oldest and most populous city with an estimated 25 million residents, contributes significantly to the country’s economy, accounting for 30.4% of its $1.4 trillion GDP and over 60% of total industrial output. The Istanbul Chamber of Commerce, established 143 years ago, is among the world’s largest, boasting a membership of over 820,000 businesses.
Recognising Istanbul’s economic importance, Mr. Bagiire underscored the strategic value of forging closer ties with the chamber. He highlighted Uganda’s vast investment potential and presented the country’s robust policy and legal frameworks that support foreign investors.
The Permanent Secretary emphasised priority growth sectors under Uganda’s 10-fold economic strategy, including agro-industrialisation, tourism, mineral beneficiation, and advancements in science, technology, and innovation (ATMS).
He assured the chamber of Uganda’s stable and secure business environment, stating: “Uganda remains one of the most stable countries in the region, often more so than those that periodically issue travel advisories against it. We welcome investors to explore the real opportunities Uganda has to offer.”
In response, Mr. Yaşik expressed appreciation for the visit and reaffirmed the Istanbul Chamber’s readiness to work with Uganda in areas of mutual economic benefit.
He praised the cordial relations between the two countries and requested detailed information on bankable projects, especially in the ATMS sector, to enable the chamber to organise a trade and investment mission to Uganda. “We are eager to explore concrete areas of cooperation,” Mr. Yaşik said. “Once we receive comprehensive project details, we will mobilise our members and plan a visit to Uganda.”
The meeting marked a significant step in Uganda’s broader diplomatic and economic engagement with Türkiye, aimed at unlocking new trade, investment, and tourism opportunities for both nations.
