A Ugandan delegation, led by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Permanent Secretary Bagiire Vincent Waiswa, met with Istanbul Chamber of Commerce Executive Board Member Bahadır Yaşik. The meeting, organised by the Ugandan Embassy in Ankara, aimed to boost economic ties between Uganda and the influential Turkish business body.
Bagiire was joined by Uganda's Ambassador to Türkiye, Nusura Tiperu, and other officials, including Francis Nyende, Deputy Director for Investment Promotion and Uganda Tourism Board Marketing Manager.
Istanbul, Türkiye's largest city, boasts a population of 25 million and contributes 30.4% to the nation's £1.4 trillion GDP. The 143-year-old Istanbul Chamber of Commerce represents 820,000 members and accounts for over 60% of Türkiye's industrial output. Given Istanbul's economic power, strengthening business links between its chamber of commerce and Uganda is a strategic move.
During the discussions, Bagiire highlighted Uganda's investment opportunities, available incentives, and the supportive policy and legal framework for investors. He also pointed out access to regional, continental, and global markets.
He further detailed key sectors crucial for Uganda's "10-fold growth strategy," including Agro-industrialisation, Tourism development, Mineral beneficiation, and Science, Technology, and Innovation (ATMS).
Bagiire reassured the delegation about Uganda's security situation, noting that Uganda remains "more stable than many countries including those that issue travel advisories against her from time to time."
Yaşik welcomed the Ugandan delegation, acknowledging the strong relations between Uganda and Türkiye. He confirmed the Istanbul Chamber of Commerce's readiness to collaborate with Uganda in mutually beneficial sectors.
He requested comprehensive details on "bankable projects" within the ATMS sector to facilitate a mission to Uganda. Yaşik pledged that his chamber would be prepared to visit Uganda once they received information on these projects.
