EU lifts restrictions on Uganda exports
Oct 06, 2002
The Head of Delegation of the European Union, Sigurd Illing, has said restrictions on exports of goods from Uganda and other developing countries have been lifted by the European Union
The Head of Delegation of the European Union, Sigurd Illing, has said restrictions on exports of goods from Uganda and other developing countries have been lifted by the European Union.
John Odyek reports that Illing said on Friday that Uganda was free to export anything to the European Union countries except arms. This was during a New Partnership for Africa's Development (NEPAD) workshop at Sheraton Kampala Hotel. The meeting was organised by the South African, Nigerian, Algerian and Egyptian embassies.
“Last year, restrictions to trade exports were lifted. There are no import duties now. There is no hindrance for exports from Uganda to the EU. The exports must be of quality and meet health standards,†Illing said. He said the EU was helping Uganda produce high quality goods for export.
He explained that some subsidies were given to the agriculture sector in Europe to keep prices up. He said not all subsidies on agriculture could be removed as demanded by some people.
“For example, farmers get some money not to produce some crops in order to keep their prices up. Subsidies in Europe have fallen from 90% to 40%. But some countries have increased subsidies by 40%,†he said.
NEPAD is an African Union project meant to fight poverty in the continent. Algeria’s ambassador, Hadjem Belaid, said European countries subsidised agriculture to the tune of US$350b, which is greater than Africa’s external debt.
John Odyek reports that Illing said on Friday that Uganda was free to export anything to the European Union countries except arms. This was during a New Partnership for Africa's Development (NEPAD) workshop at Sheraton Kampala Hotel. The meeting was organised by the South African, Nigerian, Algerian and Egyptian embassies.
“Last year, restrictions to trade exports were lifted. There are no import duties now. There is no hindrance for exports from Uganda to the EU. The exports must be of quality and meet health standards,†Illing said. He said the EU was helping Uganda produce high quality goods for export.
He explained that some subsidies were given to the agriculture sector in Europe to keep prices up. He said not all subsidies on agriculture could be removed as demanded by some people.
“For example, farmers get some money not to produce some crops in order to keep their prices up. Subsidies in Europe have fallen from 90% to 40%. But some countries have increased subsidies by 40%,†he said.
NEPAD is an African Union project meant to fight poverty in the continent. Algeria’s ambassador, Hadjem Belaid, said European countries subsidised agriculture to the tune of US$350b, which is greater than Africa’s external debt.