Uganda drags on Egyptian trade link
Oct 06, 2003
EGYPTIAN ambassador to Uganda Maasoum Marzouk (right)has said the failure of Uganda to ratify a trade agreement between Uganda and Egypt has derailed the growth of trade between the two countries
By Raymond Mikah and James Odomel
EGYPTIAN ambassador to Uganda Maasoum Marzouk (right)has said the failure of Uganda to ratify a trade agreement between Uganda and Egypt has derailed the growth of trade between the two countries.
“This agreement was signed (in 1991) between two heads of State in Cairo to increase the volume of trade between our two countries. Egypt ratified the agreement but Uganda is still dragging its feet,†he said.
According to Marzouk, the Egyptian government is to send a business delegation in January 2004 in a bid to set up joint ventures with Ugandans.
Speaking at a recent meet with the Uganda National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (UNCCI) president, Olive Kigongo, Marzouk said that although Uganda was attractive to investors, there was a lack of data about business opportunities in Uganda.
Kigongo said trade between Uganda and Egypt is also hampered by high transport costs and high tariffs for Ugandan products entering Egypt.
“We have all the raw materials for developing this country but lack capacity, technical skills and information on products,†she added.
EGYPTIAN ambassador to Uganda Maasoum Marzouk (right)has said the failure of Uganda to ratify a trade agreement between Uganda and Egypt has derailed the growth of trade between the two countries.
“This agreement was signed (in 1991) between two heads of State in Cairo to increase the volume of trade between our two countries. Egypt ratified the agreement but Uganda is still dragging its feet,†he said.
According to Marzouk, the Egyptian government is to send a business delegation in January 2004 in a bid to set up joint ventures with Ugandans.
Speaking at a recent meet with the Uganda National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (UNCCI) president, Olive Kigongo, Marzouk said that although Uganda was attractive to investors, there was a lack of data about business opportunities in Uganda.
Kigongo said trade between Uganda and Egypt is also hampered by high transport costs and high tariffs for Ugandan products entering Egypt.
“We have all the raw materials for developing this country but lack capacity, technical skills and information on products,†she added.