Chinese ambassador commends Vision Group

By Chris Kiwawulo                                       

The Chinese envoy to Uganda, Zhao Yali, has commended Vision Group for its role in transforming society by providing useful information through its various platforms.

Zhao Yali said; "The Chinese government appreciates the close cooperation we have had with New Vision. We attach great importance to New Vision for the important role you are playing in informing society."  

A jovial Yali made the remarks while visiting Vision Group head office in Kampala yesterday. During the visit, the envoy met with the Vision Group Chief Executive Officer, Robert Kabushenga, who was with Editor-in-Chief Barbara Kaija and other editors.
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Vision Group CEO Robert Kabushenga talking to Chinese Ambassador to Uganda Zhao Yali during a visit at the Company headquarters. PHOTO/Abu Mwesigwa

Yali, who was accompanied by the deputy head of mission, Li Qianghua, counselor Ouyang Daobing and Third Secretary Kevin Xu, said the visit was part of strengthening the cordial relationship between Vision Group and the Chinese embassy in Uganda.

He said he was impressed by the high degree of organization at the Vision Group and its success as a multi-platform media house.   

 "Uganda and China have very close bilateral relations and share a lot in common in terms of culture and historical background," said the envoy. He donated two 102cm-wide Hisense flat screen colour televisions to Vision Group.
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CEO Robert Kabushenga talking to the Chinese Ambassador Zhao Yali and his delegation.PHOTO/ Abu Mwesigwa

Yali pledged China's continued support to Uganda socially, economically and politically, citing a recent US$3.2m that the Chinese government extended towards the UPDF for peace keeping operations.

Citing countries that threatened to cut aid to Uganda after President Yoweri Museveni assented to the anti-homosexuality Bill, Yali spoke at length about China's foreign policy. He said his country does not interfere with the internal affairs of other countries. He said it is not part of Chinese government to give lectures to others countries.

 "The level of development in terms of human rights is different in different countries. That is why we provide aid without strings attached. There is need for democratization of human rights, equality and mutual respect."

As Uganda is undergoing industrial transformation, Yali urged the Chinese to help the country achieve its dream through providing expert skills rather than engaging in petty businesses like vending.

He said Uganda has most of the raw materials for manufacture of finished products which need to be tapped. "Uganda for example has water and wood which are required for making paper. I don't know why you should continue importing paper expensively," he observed.

Kabushenga on his part expressed gratitude towards the Chinese government for the cooperation with the Vision Group and the support it extends to the country.
Kabushenga appealed to the Chinese envoy to help in the transfer of technology which Ugandans can use for industrial production.

He pledged Vision Group's continued cooperation with the Chinese government. .