Uganda to host major trade exhibition next week

Uganda is set to host a major trade expo next week. Dubbed the ‘Sixth Uganda Trade Expo’, the event seeks to bring together different players in the industrial and service sector from across Africa.

The expo which will take place on June 25 and 26 has been organised by Bright Exhibitions and will see participants enjoy free entry.

It is expected to have exhibitors from automotive, agriculture, building construction, food and hotel, ICT, electronics, industrial machinery, lubricants, consumer households and medical and healthcare among others.

The organisers say a number of Kenyan businesses have confirmed participation in the event, expected to be dominated by industry players from the East Africa Community (EAC).

Trade within the regional block has been growing each year. In 2014, Uganda was the second largest export destination for Kenyan goods after Tanzania. The country exported goods worth about Sh67 billion and this made Uganda number seven of among Kenya’s leading trade partners.

The opening of the One-Stop border point at Busia further made the flow of people, goods and services easier. Kenya remains a favourable gateway for Uganda which has no shoreline. Spirited efforts have been in the work to extend the railway connection as well build a standard gauge railway line connecting Mombasa Port to Uganda.

Last year, reports emerged that Uganda was emerging as a strong market in the region with some media reports indicating that it could overtake Kenya as the regional ‘big boy of trade’.