UMA trade fair attracts over 2000 firms

By Patrick Jaramogi

Over 2000 firms are expected to show case their products at this year’s International Trade Fair that opens on Thursday October 2ndat Lugogo.

The Uganda Manufacturers Association (UMA) International Trade Fair is an annual multi-sectoral trade event aimed at opening new markets for exhibitors in Uganda, the East African region and beyond.

This year’s UGITF theme is; "Building Business Partnerships for Sustainable Markets and Competitiveness."

According to the UMA board chairperson, Amos Nzeyi, the number of exhibitors has continued to increase every year.  “We expect more than 2000 companies both locally and from abroad,” he said.

The UMA executive director, Sebaggala Kigozi told the press that more than 30 countries are expected to take part in this year’s trade fair. So far Egypt, Iran, Italy, Turkey, Kenya, Rwanda,   Indonesia, United Arab Emirates, China and Lebanon have confirmed participation.

Sebaggala said particular days will be set aside for trade exhibition for exhibitors to establish business-to-business (B2B) meetings, business symposiums and meetings with potential business people to deepen partnerships.

“This year’s trade fair will run from Thursday October 2nd to Friday 10th October, 2014 at the UMA show grounds, Lugogo, Kampala,” he said.

Egypt has lined up over 20 companies to participate in this year’s UGITF 2014. “Egyptian participation in this year’s fair will have a wide range of products such as; home appliances, cooling systems, automobile spare parts, pasta, beverages, candy, flexible packaging products, and wrapping plastic sheets,” he said.

He said Egypt has also brought on board air mats, agricultural products, men’s suits, leather clothing for men and women.
Egypt has been keen on participating in the Uganda International Trade Fair, following increased trade relations that have been fostered over the past years.

According to Lawrence Oketcho the UMA advocacy manager, the Egyptian export has increased by 3.47% between January to August 2014 to the tune of $25b.

The value of Egyptian exports to Uganda reached $41,487 USD in 2012, with mainly chemicals and processed food topping the charts,.

“Egypt is among the top ten supplying countries for Agro imports to Uganda as well as building materials especially in cement, tiles, cubes as well glazed ceramics,” he said.

 Related Stories

Security tight as UMA show opens

Trade show kicks off amidst tight security