President Yoweri Museveni and his Tanzanian counter Samia Suluhu have discussed a number of issues concerning economic Cooperations, bilateral, regional as well as international matters of interest to the two countries.
Suluhu who arrived in Uganda yesterday is in Uganda for a two days State Visit on invitation of President Museveni.
She was was received at State House, Entebbe, by her host, His Excellency President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni. Her Excellency was accompanied by Ministers and other Senior Government Officials from the United Republic of Tanzania.
In the tete-a-tete meeting held by the two Heads of State held at State House yesterday, the two divulged on a number of issues like the tariffs and non-tarriff trade barriers.
Uganda currently mint $200m from exports to Tanzania while Tanzania earns $1 billion from exports to Uganda a, followed by Official Talks where they were joined by Ministers and Senior Government Officials and discussed
“The two Heads of State directed the relevant Ministers to meet frequently to address the Non-Tariff Barriers (NTBS) and find solutions to challenges relating to trade. They directed that these decisions be implemented within one month,” reads part of the Joint Communique released by State House yesterday.
“In the area of Marine and Road Transport, the Heads of State applauded the re-opening of the Mwanza -Port Bell-Kampala Route, which is now fully operational and has greatly reduced the transit time from Dar-es-salaam to Kampala, which now takes only four (4) days, down from the previous nine (9) days thus reducing the cost of doing business,” it adds
The Communique states that the two Presidents welcomed the commissioning of the construction of the Mutukula regional market, which will enhance trade and improve the livelihoods of citizens of Uganda and Tanzania and other countries in the region.
“The Heads of State noted and welcomed the implementation of the East Africa Crude Oil Pipeline Project (EACOP). Her Excellency President Samia Suluhu Hassan was also briefed on the progress of the EACOP. The Heads of State noted the progress made since the JPC held in January 2022 and directed their respective Ministers to implement all agreed decisions,“
They further agreed on the pathogenic economy and specifically collaboration on the development of vaccines between the two countries.
“It was also agreed that the United Republic of Tanzania will buy Anti Retroviral (ARVs) Drugs from Uganda,”
These, according to he Joint Communique were also briefed on the joint cooperation on security for the East African Crude Oil PipeLine. It was also agreed that Tanzania shall charge 10 Dollars per 100 Kilometers per truck from Mutukula to Dar es Salaam starting Financial Year 2022/2023 effective 1 July 2022.
“It was further agreed that Uganda shall supply 10,000 tonnes to cover the sugar gap in the United Republic of Tanzania. On education, it was agreed that Uganda shall identify a sister school in the Republic of Uganda to partner with the school in the United Republic of Tanzania, Nyabirenzi, Chato,”
The Heads of State reiterated their support for the private sector as an economic growth and development engine.
“In this regard, Her Excellency President Samia Suluhu Hassan had a dialogue with the Private Sector Chief Executive Officers (CEOs) and paid a visit to the Namanve Industrial Park, where Her Excellency was taken on a guided tour of Roofings Uganda Ltd,”
“The Heads of State noted the growing total trade between Uganda and the United Republic of Tanzania and directed the responsible Ministers to immediately remove any outstanding Non-Tariff Barriers in order to fully harness the Uganda-Tanzania trade potential,”
President Museveni expressed his gratitude to his counterpart Suluhu for honouring his invitation and for the fruitful discussions they held.
