The Astana Expo is an international trade platform that provides ample opportunity for companies, including those in Uganda, keen on penetrating the Kazakhstan market and Eastern European markets to showcase and promote their products & services throughout the three month period. Over 5 million visitors attend the event.
The Astana Expo2017 theme this year was “Future Energy.” With three major sub themes that include; Future Energy for Africa; Biodiversity in Africa; African Cultural Diversity. Each country was required to organize a special day at the venue to show case their national achievements. 24th July 2017 was Uganda National Day at Astana EXPO2017.
Uganda’s delegation constituted a government and private sector team led by the Charge d’Affaires a.i. Uganda Embassy Moscow, Ambassador Gideon Rutazindwa, Uganda Export Promotion Board, represented by the Executive Director, Dr. Elly Twineyo, Mr Ronald Baluku from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Mr Baguma from the Ministry of Energy, and representatives from the Private Sector Foundation, Uganda Tea Growers Association and a Ugandan Entertainment group.
Speaking on behalf of the Uganda Delegation, Amb. Rutazindwa said that Uganda is proud to have participated in the historic event and invited participants to visit the Uganda pavilion “We hope that the people of Kazakhstan get a glimpse of our mountain gorillas and all the beauty that Uganda has to offer, taste of Uganda tea; coffee; and a catalogue of existing investment opportunities at the Ugandan pavilion”.
Amb Rutazindwa told the participants that he believed there was so much Uganda could learn from Kazakhstan given the impressive ranking as the largest economy in central Asia. “As we strive to modernize our economy” he said, “Uganda will continue to seek support and cooperation from Kazakhstan in developing the following specific core areas of investment; Energy & Mineral resources, Trade and Investment, Agriculture, Infrastructure Development and Tourism”
Amb Rutazindwa concluded by stating that Uganda looked to Kazakhstan’s successful transformation as a model that will provide Uganda with new ideas and lessons to unlock our potential in the oil and mineral sector.
The highlights of the day included a press conference, a presentation about Uganda through a Statement by the Head of the delegation, a video on Uganda and entertainment by Ugandan drummers and dancers. The day was crowned by a meeting with business leaders and a dinner.
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