Uganda and Burundi will hold the third session of the Joint Permanent Commission Meeting scheduled to take place from March 22-24 in Bujumbura.
According to the foreign affairs ministry, the main objective of this meeting is to further bolster the excellent cordial bilateral relations between both countries with the aim of reviewing cooperation in various sectors of Diplomatic and Political Consultations, Trade & Investment, Education, Health, Agriculture, Transport & Infrastructural Development Defence to mention but a few.
Uganda and Burundi enjoy excellent bilateral relations which are historic in nature founded on shared principles of Pan Africanism and Regional integration.
Diplomatic relations between both countries were established soon after both countries attained independence and a general cooperation agreement was signed in 1986.
These bilateral relations are being pursued under a Joint Permanent Commission, a cooperation framework that guides the implementation of decisions agreed upon in various sectors.
The meeting will review the implementation status of decisions of the 2nd JPC session which was held in 1991 clustered in the sectors of Political and Diplomatic consultations, Transport and Infrastructure Development, Economic considerations of Trade, Investment and Industry, and other Productive sectors.
Both Uganda and Burundi have regularly renewed their commitment to deepening bilateral cooperation with the exchange of high-level visits with the most recent official state visit of Burundi President Evariste Ndayishimiye from May 14-15 in Kampala at the invitation of President Yoweri Museveni.
This afforded an opportunity to both Heads of State to deliberate on matters of Trade & Investment, Peace and Security, Infrastructural Development as well as issues of common concern in the Regional and International Fora.
The meeting will also lay strategies for fast-tracking the implementation of decisions of the two Heads of State.
In order to boost bilateral trade between both countries, the first-ever Uganda- Burundi Business Forum will take place on March 23 on the sidelines of the Joint Permanent Commission Meeting.
The main objective of this Business Forum Meeting will be to identify opportunities available in both countries for trade and investment as well as identify obstacles with the view to address them.
According to statistics from the Ministry of Trade, Industry, and Cooperatives, by 2021 Uganda’s exports to Burundi were estimated at over $50 million has increased from $37.03 billion in 2019.
The major Ugandan firms in Burundi which had a significant presence include MOVIT, MOGAS, Steel and Tube, Millennium International Academy, Virat Alloys (former Sembule Steel), Plascon Paints, Techno, Perfect Signs International, Future Media, Radio 10, and Brand Fusion.
Prior to the above-mentioned events, the Commissioning of the official chancery of the Embassy of Uganda in Bujumbura will take place on March 21 and will be presided over by Dr. Ruhakana Rugunda, the special envoy of President Museveni.
