The Government of Sweden has committed itself to continue supporting Uganda in the promotion of trade and industry through building Quality Infrastructure and promoting standards. The commitment was made by the outgoing Swedish Ambassador to Uganda Urban Andersson during a farewell ceremony organized by the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Cooperatives on Tuesday 9^th August 2016 at the Ministry offices in Kampala.

Trade Minister Amelia Kyambadde expressed her appreciation to Ambassador Andersson for the support his Government and the Swedish people have rendered to Uganda.

‘The Government of Uganda and more especially the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Cooperatives has enjoyed an excellent working relationship with the Swedish Embassy under the leadership of Ambassador Andersson”, said Kyambadde.

The Minister said with the support of 6 Million Euros from the Swedish Government, her Ministry has implemented the Quality Infrastructure and Standards Programme (QUISP) which aims at improving the competitiveness of Uganda’s products, processes and service delivery systems in domestic, regional and international markets.

The QUISP Project Coordinator Denis Ainebyona said through the project, more than 80 Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) have been supported to certify their products by acquiring the Quality Mark and Standards Mark from the Uganda National Bureau of Standards (UNBS) which is Uganda’s standards body.

He added that through the same support from the Swedish Government, UNBS has been equipped with testing and calibration equipment worth US$ 1 million, which has reduced testing period and costs by almost 50%. Ugandans have also been sensitized on issues of product standards and they are now mindful of standards.

Minister Kyambadde Sweden to continue supporting Uganda as the country strives to enhance the competitiveness of Uganda’s goods. She said Uganda still needs support in the harmonization of national standards with regional and internationally accepted standards for all products and strengthening of quality infrastructure for specific priority value chains such as coffee, tea, oil and gas, fresh fruits and vegetables, among others.

Ambassador Andersson said the Swedish Government is impressed with the entrepreneurship spirit in Uganda and is proud to be part of the initiative to support SMEs to certify their products, because certification is the key to market access.

“I would like to see more Ugandan goods on the shelves of supermarkets in Sweden and this can be achieved if producers can comply with the required standards”, explained Andersson.

He said Uganda has achieved a lot in building the capacity to test products and the Government of Sweden will continue its support to the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Cooperatives and the Government of Uganda at large to ensure that Uganda’s products can easily access international markets.

He added that it was a pleasure to have served in Uganda for the past 5 years and would be glad to come back in another capacity. Andersson who has served as the Swedish Ambassador to Uganda since 2011 has accomplished his work in Uganda and is due for another posting.

The Swedish Embassy has worked closely with the Ministry of Trade in the promotion of business platforms for the Swedish Uganda Business Association (SUBA) and the bigger Nordic Business Community on quarterly basis. This platform has enabled the Ministry respond to specific issues raised by the Nordic Business Community; and strengthens the trade and investment relations.

Currently, there are more than 15 Swedish companies operating in Uganda.