Uganda has signed two critical export protocols with China, marking a new chapter in the country's agricultural trade.
The agreements, finalised during the 9th Forum on China-Africa Cooperation held in Beijing in September, will enable Uganda to export dried chilies and wild aquatic products to the vast Chinese market.
Announcing the development, Frank Tumwebaze, the Minister of Agriculture, Animal Industry, and Fisheries, described the protocols as "a significant leap forward for Uganda's agricultural export development" and a key step toward balancing trade relations with China.
The protocols were signed by the Ministry of Agriculture and the General Administration of Customs of the People's Republic of China (GACC).
The first protocol concerns the export of wild aquatic products such as Nile perch fillets, fish maw, and silver fish, while the second addresses the export of dried chilies.
"This protocol formalizes an agreement on the export of dried chilies and opens up the door to accessing one of the world's largest chili consumer markets,"Tumwebaze explained.
Before these agreements, Uganda faced significant challenges in exporting these products, particularly to China.
According to Tumwebaze, Uganda had not been exporting dried chilies due to international norms that require scientific assessments to ensure that no exotic pests are introduced into the importing country.
"A scientific assessment was undertaken, and high-risk pests were identified and mitigation measures agreed upon, leading to the signing of the protocol on dried chilies," Tumwebaze said.
For aquatic products, Uganda's exports were often reaching China through unofficial channels.
"While the Chinese market for wild aquatic products is enormous, most of these products have not been going through official channels, but instead through nondesignated trade routes," Tumwebaze explained.
He added that the protocol ensures these products are fit for human consumption and meet Chinese standards.
The signing of the protocols is expected to have a transformative impact on Uganda's agricultural sector by providing direct access to the Chinese market, which has a population of 1.4 billion people.
Tumwebaze emphasized that this development will streamline the export process for Uganda's traders and boost their earnings.
"Ugandan registered dealers will be recognized by the Chinese customs authorities and allowed to export products without going through tedious and shady channels," he stated.
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With the implementation of these protocols, Uganda's agricultural producers, processors, and exporters are now positioned to meet China's demand for high-quality food products.
"We are well-positioned to meet the demands of the Chinese market while ensuring the highest standards of food safety and quality in our exports," Tumwebaze said, highlighting the role of the private sector in capitalizing on these new opportunities.
The Ministry of Agriculture has outlined specific procedures for prospective exporters to follow.
Companies interested in exporting these products must apply and register with the GACC.
Additionally, exporters must write to the Ministry to express their interest, after which a compliance audit will be conducted.
"A dedicated task unit of technical officers will be created in MAAIF to handle and facilitate this process," Tumwebaze assured, encouraging exporters to study market-specific requirements to ensure the quality of their products.
Uganda is also continuing negotiations with China to finalize protocols for other agricultural products such as avocado, meat, and castor oil.
"The Government of Uganda will continue to negotiate with China to conclude the other pending protocols," Tumwebaze said.
