Uganda, 1 July 2022 (TDI): On Thursday, the Chinese Ambassador to Uganda Zhang Li Zhong held a press conference to address the 60th anniversary of China-Uganda diplomatic relations.
The Ambassador mentioned that 60 years of friendship between China and Uganda defines both countries are good comrades.
The relations between the two countries have elevated to the level of Comprehensive Cooperative Partnership since 2019.
The people of Uganda and China have experienced growing political mutual trust. The cooperation in every field is proving to be fruitful. The collaboration and coordination between both states have increased at the regional and international levels.
Bilateral trade
The Ambassador mentioned that the bilateral trade has been outstanding. The bilateral trade volume between the two states amounted to $1.07 billion. It is a 28.5% increase despite the issues of Covid-19.
Similarly, the new engineering contracts between Uganda and China amount to $1.43 billion. It is ranked 18th in Africa and has completed a turnover of $1.05 billion.
By the end of 2020, the direct investment of china in Uganda was $710 million. The investment is mainly concentrated in the agriculture mining, manufacturing, and logistics sectors.
— Chinese Embassy in Uganda (@ChineseEmb_Uga) June 30, 2022
Development projects
The Ambassador said that China has undertaken the project for the reconstruction of Entebbe Airport. The newly built 10,000 square meter cargo center and 20,000 square meters new terminal are ready to use.
Chinese Company TEBA also aims to complete the rural electrification project by December 2022. The project will benefit 170,000 of Uganda’s rural population from the national power grid. The three oil roads in Masindi and Hoima districts have also seen considerable progress.
Also, Liao Shen Industrial Park has invested about $400 million. China-Uganda Mbale Industrial Park has created 2000 jobs till now. It will create about 15,000 jobs and will also draw $600 million in investment.
Organizing competitions
On the occasion of the 60th anniversary of China and Uganda’s diplomatic relations, the Chinese embassy held a Logo Design Competition. They also launched the “My China Story” essay competition.
Also, an online knowledge contest and photo contest are scheduled for later this year.
Ambassador Zhang Li Zhong added that China-Uganda cooperation has always seen transparency, openness, equality, and mutual interests. China is looking forward to working with Africa to dovetail the outlook with the Belt and Road Initiative.
He said that Africa is not a place of rivalry but it is a place for cooperation. China has seen the fruitful results of the Belt and Road Initiative. China welcomes all the countries to cooperate in Africa and help in developing Africa.
