- As the eighth ministerial conference of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) in Dakar, Senegal approaches, it was stated that China proposes to strengthen cooperation with Uganda, particularly in the digital economy, digital infrastructure, digital education, digital inclusion, and digital security.
- Uganda was also urged to increase its exports to China by fully utilizing the duty-free tariff treatment for 97% of products granted by China to expand its exports.
As the eighth ministerial conference of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) in Dakar, Senegal approaches, it was stated that China proposes to strengthen cooperation with Uganda, particularly in the digital economy, digital infrastructure, digital education, digital inclusion, and digital security. China’s significant digital economy growth was cited, with a growth rate of 9.7% despite the pandemic and global economic slowdown, while local statistics showed that only 26% of Ugandans were covered by digitally-assisted services and economic activities.
Uganda was also urged to increase its exports to China by fully utilizing the duty-free tariff treatment for 97% of products granted by China to expand its exports. Uganda’s exports to China, consisting mainly of unprocessed agricultural products, amounted to US$40 million in 2020, compared to US$0.28 million in 2000. Meanwhile, China’s exports to Uganda rose from US$31.4 million to US$1,094.78 million during the same period.
It was encouraged for the private sector to play a greater role, with poverty reduction, food security, COVID-19 response and vaccines, investment and trade, industrialization, connectivity, climate change, digital innovation, and human resources identified as key areas of cooperation.