Ambassador Andersson hailed over empowering SMEs

PIC: The outgoing ambassador of Sweden Urban Andersson takes a selfie with the minister of trade, Amelia Kyambade during a farewell at the ministry of trade headquarters in Kampala on August 9, 2016. Photos/Francis Emorut

The embassy of Sweden has been hailed over empowering the small medium enterprises (SMEs) and equipping Uganda National Bureau of Standards (UNBS) with testing equipment.

These efforts were championed by the outgoing ambassador of Sweden, Urban Andersson who has served the country for the last five years.

According to the minister of trade, Amelia Kyambadde, Andersson has been instrumental in developing standards programs for SMEs in order to promote trade between the two countries.

Kyambadde explained that through Andersson, the capacity of SMEs has been built and over 100 of them have adhered to international standards as far as quality of their exports products is concerned.

"Through standards program, the SMEs have reached a level of certification in promoting trade," Kyambadde said.

The minister commended Andersson for being a humble man who was able to reach every official in the ministry of trade and industry.

"I admire your character and cherish the relationship you have established between Uganda and Sweden," she said.

The minister was bidding farewell to the ambassador on Monday at the ministry headquarters in Kampala.

The outgoing ambassador of Sweden, Urban Andersson receives a gift from the minister of trade Amelia Kyambade

 
The Swedish support to Uganda to a tune of euros 6 million (about sh21.6b) has equipped UNBS with equipment of testing commodities exports and imports and building the capacity of SMEs.

This has helped in detecting fake products flooding the market.

"We have achieved a lot in the aspect of health and safety and promoting Uganda's goods to international market," Denis Ainebyona the programme coordinator of standards and quality at the ministry of trade said.

Silver Ojakol, the commissioner external trade pointed out that the support from Swedish embassy has made Uganda's products on high demand in East Africa Community region.

The outgoing ambassador of Sweden Urban Andersson hands over a gift to the minister of trade Amelia Kyambade

"People are now mindful about Uganda having high standards in terms of the products manufactured," Ojakol said.

On his part Andersson said standards, is key component in promoting trade.

He explained that his stay in the country has been fruitful and called for taking investment to another level.

"It has been a fruitful cooperation. We need to take investment to another level, more goods in Sweden," Andersson said.

He said he was impressed by entrepreneur spirit Uganda has exhibited in promoting trade.