Message by Hon. Ntabazi Harriet, Minister of State for Trade on the 59^th Independence Anniversary

Productive trade is a key factor in securing the future of Ugandans because it contributes to the economic growth of the country. Uganda is a member of several trading blocs such as the East African Community (EAC) and Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA). However, this market is not sufficient to absorb the country’s products, hence, the need for market expansion. In this regard, my Ministry has put in place strategies to improve trade development in the country. These include but are not limited to: enhancing the competitiveness of Uganda’s products and services in the domestic, regional and international markets; providing trade/market information to traders and all the business community to enable them reach prudent and optimal investment decisions; developing capacity to exploit existing market access opportunities; boosting capacities of the socially and economically disadvantaged sections of the community to trade; developing domestic trade and ensuring that it is a foundation for developing Uganda’s capacity to produce and engage in remunerative international trade. I would, therefore, like to assure our entrepreneurs of Government’s commitment to secure market opportunities for their products but also challenge them to work towards value addition and producing quality products for the market. I also call upon the Ugandan population to develop a positive mindset towards Ugandan made products in line with the Buy Uganda Build Uganda initiative. I now take this opportunity to wish all Ugandans a happy 59^th Independence anniversary. For God and My Country!