India-Uganda Trade Talks Focus On Digital Infrastructure & MSME Development Besides Trade

(MENAFN- KNN India) New Delhi, Mar 27 (KNN) The Third Session of the India-Uganda Joint Trade Committee (JTC) concluded successfully in New Delhi on March 26, marking a significant step toward strengthening bilateral trade relations after a 23-year hiatus.

The meeting underscored a renewed commitment to expanding and diversifying trade between the two nations, as highlighted in an official press release by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry.

Both countries acknowledged that the current trade volume does not reflect their full potential and pledged to take concrete measures to enhance economic cooperation.

A key outcome of the discussions was the proposal to establish an India-Uganda Joint Business Forum, aimed at fostering stronger engagement between industry leaders from both nations.

Key sectors identified for trade and investment growth included minerals, coffee, cocoa products, pulses, spices, dairy products, essential oils, plastic raw materials, fruits, vegetables, and residual chemical products.

Additionally, both sides emphasized cooperation in mining, banking, digital infrastructure, MSME development, health, pharmaceuticals, electric vehicles, critical minerals-including Rare Earth Elements (REE)-and petrochemicals.

The two countries also explored potential Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) in the areas of Indian Pharmacopoeia recognition, Public Works and Infrastructure, Agriculture, Traditional Medicine, and Tele-medicine. Further cooperation in standardisation and investment promotion was also discussed.

Ajay Bhadoo, Additional Secretary, Department of Commerce, addressed the inaugural session, reaffirming India's commitment to strengthening economic ties with Uganda.

He highlighted promising collaboration areas, including e-commerce, MSME cluster development, pharmaceuticals, solar energy, and rural electrification.

The meeting was co-chaired by Priya P Nair, Economic Adviser, Department of Commerce (India), and Ambassador Elly Kamahungye Kafeero, Head of International Political Cooperation Department, Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Uganda). The Ugandan delegation also visited the Noida Special Economic Zone (SEZ) to gain insights into India's industrial ecosystem.

The discussions were held in a cordial and constructive manner, reflecting a robust and growing economic partnership between India and Uganda.

(KNN Bureau)

MENAFN27032025000155011030ID1109365217