Museveni opens Gulf investment forum in Kampala

By Vision Reporter

President Yoweri Museveni has opened the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Investment Forum, in Kampala.

The two-day forum, will see Ugandan business community get an opportunity to meet international businessmen.

The Kampala forum is organised by the Government through the Uganda Investment Authority (UIA), taking place at Sheraton Kampala Hotel.

According to finace state minister in charge of investment, Aston Kajara, the GCC forum will enable local businessmen to meet and discuss with representatives of key private sector bodies and investment banks from GCC countries.

The GCC countries include Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and United Arab Emirates.

The GCC businessmen have expertise in construction, oil, banking and other fi nancial services that Ugandans can take advantage of. Tom Buringuriza, the acting executive director of UIA, said the tax body had developed about 200 business ideas Ugandans can present to potential investors for partnership and business collaboration during the forum.

“The local businessmen should this week come to UIA offi ce and access the business ideas for free,” Buringuriza said. He added that over 200 delegates are expected at the forum, of which 75 come from the GCC countries.

“We see this as a great breakthrough to host the GCC here,” he said. Buringuriza said GCC will not immediately establish a bureau in Uganda but will work with UIA to follow up on issues and partnerships built during the forum.