KAMPALA, UGANDA – Uganda has signed two landmark protocols with China to facilitate the export of dried chilies and wild aquatic products, a move expected to significantly boost the country’s agricultural export revenue.
The protocols, signed during the 9th Forum on China-Africa Cooperation in Beijing, outline inspection, quarantine, and sanitary requirements for Ugandan exports. This development will enable Ugandan registered dealers to export directly to China, bypassing tedious and shady channels.
“The signing of these protocols represents a significant leap forward for Uganda’s agricultural export development and will contribute to creating a balance of trade with China,” said Frank Tumwebaze, Minister of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries.
The protocols cover various wild aquatic products, including Nile perch fillets, headless and gutted Nile perch, fish maw, fish skins, fish scales, and silver fish products. Dried chilies will also be exported to China, one of the world’s largest chili consumer markets.
Tumwebaze emphasized the importance of meeting Chinese standards. “We must ensure our products meet the required standards to compete favorably in the Chinese market. This will not only increase our export earnings but also create jobs and improve livelihoods for our farmers and processors.”
To facilitate exports, companies must register with China’s General Administration of Customs and undergo a pre-audit compliance check by Uganda’s Ministry of Agriculture. A dedicated task unit will be established to expedite the registration process.
Uganda’s agricultural sector is poised for significant growth, with China’s vast market potential offering new opportunities for farmers, processors, and exporters.
“This is a win-win situation for both countries,” Tumwebaze noted. “We will continue negotiating with China to conclude pending protocols on other products, including avocado, meat, and caster oil.”
The move is expected to benefit Uganda’s smallholder farmers, who produce the majority of the country’s agricultural products.
“We urge our farmers and exporters to take advantage of this opportunity and work towards meeting the required standards,” Tumwebaze added.
Uganda’s agricultural export revenue stands at $1.4 billion as of 2023, with China’s population of 1.4 billion presenting vast market potential. The country’s wild aquatic products export potential is estimated at $100 million, while dried chilies export potential is estimated at $50 million.
With China’s vast market potential and Uganda’s agricultural sector growth, the country is poised to increase its export earnings and improve the livelihoods of its farmers and processors.
