Uganda ready to host India-Africa Business Forum

The conclave, now in its 12th edition, has become  premier forum that brings together representatives of Governemnt and the private sector from Africa and India.

Prime Minister Dr Ruhakana Rugunda has offered Uganda's readiness to host the next round of the India-Africa Business Forum.

Speaking at the opening of the 12th India-Africa Project Partnership Conclave  in New Dehli on Thursday, Dr Rugunda said that Uganda welcomed the plans by the organisers to convene the 13th forum in Africa.

"Uganda is ready to welcome and host the next conclave on behalf of the African continent," Rugunda said.

In a separate meeting with the President of India, Pranab Mukherjee after the opening of the forum, Rugunda said the decision to take the forum to Africa  would be further testimony to the deepening business ties between the two regions.

Rugunda also told the forum that in Uganda, the Indian community is playing a 'significant role in the economy. "

"Members of the Indian and Asian community who number about 30,000 are playing a critical role in the economy of Uganda with their involvement in the agriculture, manufacturing and hospitality industries," he said.

"We are inviting many more serious investors from India to come and tap opportunities in tourism, ICT  medical and education services, infrastructure and agroprocessing sectors, " Rugunda added.

Speaking at the same event, the President of India Pranab Mukherjee praised the historical and growing relationship between India and Africa saying the two regions have strong shared bonds of trade.