Kutesa hails US decision to prioritise trade with Africa

BUSINESS

The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Sam Kutesa has called on US business operators to do business with Uganda, as the physical and policy environment is one of the best in Africa.

He made these remarks during the recently concluded African Ministerial Meeting on "Trade, Security, and Governance in Africa" which was held on November 16 and 17 at the US State Department.  Kutesa was among African Foreign Ministers who were invited by US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson.

The meeting was an initiative of the United States of America to consult African countries on core issues of engagement identified by the new US administration in forming priorities for Africa namely; Trade and Investment, Security and Counter Terrorism, and Governance (Democracy, The Rule of Law and Accountability).

In his opening remarks, Secretary Tillerson assured African Counterparts that the US desired to exchange views with Africa on issues of common interest and concern as stated above.

He emphasized that US will focus on economic relations with Africa. He also acknowledged the vast trade and investment opportunities in Africa and cited the presence of American CEOs of major companies at the meeting.

According to a release from Foreign Affairs, Hon. Sam Kutesa thanked the new U.S. administration for the new focus on business with Africa and spirit of dialogue calling it "a breath of fresh air".

He enumerated the various investment opportunities in Uganda especially in Agriculture and agricultural processing, mining, oil and gas, tourism and general manufacturing.

During his visit to Washington DC, Sam Kutesa, was also among a group of African Foreign Ministers who held a consultative meeting with US Senators Mike Rounds, Senator John Nichols Boozman with Senator James Mountain Inhofe as host and chair.

The Senators assured the African Foreign Ministers of their availability to help promote understanding between U.S. and their countries. In his brief remarks,  

Kutesa appreciated the gesture by the new US administration of constructively engage with Africa in pursuit of mutual beneficial interests based on dialogue instead of dictating terms.

Uganda's ambassador  to the United States Mr. Mull Katende and several officials of the Uganda Embassy in Washington DC attended the meetings. END