Nis, Serbia | In a significant development, Uganda and Serbia have held the first session of the Joint Commission for Trade Cooperation in Nis, Serbia, agreeing to revive a historic trade agreement originally signed in 1963 between Uganda and the Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia.
The agreement was signed by Tomislav Momirović, Serbia's Minister for Internal and Foreign Trade, and Gen. Wilson Mbasu Mbadi, Uganda's State Minister for Trade. Both officials expressed satisfaction with the progress made and committed to strengthening future cooperation.
Gen. Mbadi is leading a Ugandan delegation that includes representatives from various ministries, including Trade, Foreign Affairs, Agriculture, and Transport, as well as members from Uganda Airlines and the Presidential Advisory Committee on Exports and Industrial Development (PACEID), chaired by Odrek Rwabwogo.
The appointment of Bratislav Stoiljkovic as Uganda’s Trade Envoy to Serbia was announced by Uganda's Ambassador to Rome, Elizabeth Paula Napeyok. This agreement builds on the foundation laid during President Yoweri Museveni’s visit to Serbia in July 2023, which was pivotal in enhancing bilateral relations.
Gen. Mbadi highlighted the significance of the President's visit, noting that it greatly contributes to fostering closer ties between the two nations. He expressed gratitude for the warm hospitality received in Serbia and reaffirmed the historical bonds between the two countries, which date back to the era of Josip Broz Tito.
Minister Momirović expressed optimism about leveraging existing political relations to boost trade, stating that President Museveni's visit marked a transformative moment for Uganda-Serbia relations. He emphasized the desire to collaborate with Africa in a mutually beneficial manner rather than merely extracting resources.
Rwabwogo acknowledged the efforts made to revive the partnership and shared details about Uganda's "Six Step Model" aimed at enhancing exports, particularly coffee. This model includes:
1. Processing products domestically to retain value.
2. Retail distribution.
3. Assembling machinery locally using Serbian technology.
4. Promoting cultural exchange and trade between Uganda and Serbia.
5. Renewing bilateral agreements to benefit both nations.
6. Utilizing these agreements to reduce or eliminate taxes, fostering mutual prosperity.
Additionally, the Ministry of Works and Transport and Serbia’s Civil Aviation Directorate signed a Bilateral Air Services Agreement (BASA) to enable code-sharing and direct flights between Uganda Airlines and Air Serbia, enhancing connectivity and trade between the two nations.
Tumusiime Aggrey, Senior Air Transport Officer, praised the commitment of both governments to improving connectivity and trade relations. He emphasized that Uganda’s airspace is secure, meeting international standards.
Representatives from both countries discussed current economic conditions, bilateral trade trends, and investment protection measures. The second session of the Joint Trade Commission is scheduled to take place in Kampala in February 2025, with specific dates to be finalized through diplomatic channels.
