Italy and Uganda are poised to enter a new phase of trade and investment cooperation, with a particular emphasis on sectors like agriculture and health.
This development coincides with the final preparations for the upcoming International Agricultural and Gardening Machinery Exhibition (EIMA International) in Bologna, scheduled for November 2024.
In a strategic move to bolster ties, the Italian Agricultural Machinery Manufacturers Federation (FederUnacoma), in collaboration with the Italian government, is handpicking select companies from Uganda to participate as honored guests at the exhibition, which is expected to host over 2,000 companies.
The primary objective of this initiative, spearheaded by Fabio Ricci, Deputy Director General of FederUnacoma, is to pique Ugandan interest in Italian agricultural machinery.
The exhibition aims to showcase Italy’s advancements in the agricultural equipment industry, asserting its position as the 6th largest supplier globally.
However, despite Italy’s stature in the sector, Ugandan commercial agriculturalists and equipment distributors have expressed grievances. They have bemoaned the limited presence of Italian equipment in Uganda’s market, citing issues such as high prices and lengthy delivery times compared to competitors, particularly from Asia.
These concerns underscore the need for Italy to address logistical and pricing challenges to enhance its market share in Uganda.
Italy is implementing various measures to restore its economic relevance in Uganda. Mauro Massoni, Italy’s new ambassador to Uganda, Rwanda, and Burundi, highlighted the recent meeting between Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja and Italian PM Giorgia Meloni as a step towards enhancing trade relations between the two countries.
Additionally, Italy is increasing investments in vital sectors such as health and agriculture, with a particular focus on dairy production.
Uganda’s exports to Italy, valued between 120 and 150 million dollars annually, primarily consist of coffee, which accounts for over 80 percent of the total. Other exports include cut flowers and fish products. These figures underscore the significance of trade between the two nations and highlight the potential for further collaboration and economic growth.
Italy stands as the primary consumer of Uganda’s coffee, accounting for 45 percent of the country’s exported coffee. Conversely, Italy’s exports to Uganda, valued at $57 million in 2023, are predominantly machinery, pharmaceutical equipment, and medicines.
Ambassador Massoni emphasizes Uganda’s potential to become a global player in production and trade.
However, he notes that Uganda requires further advancements in technology, transport connectivity, and marketing to leverage its abundant resources effectively.
EIMA International, renowned as one of the world’s largest exhibitions in agricultural mechanics, offers a diverse array of products, including tractors, tillage and sowing equipment, crop protection, harvesting machinery, milk transportation, and livestock feeding equipment.
At this prestigious event, Ugandan companies will have the unique opportunity to engage with nearly 2,000 exhibitors from 40 countries and participate in over 10,000 business-to-business meetings, facilitated by 80 foreign delegations.
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