Uganda and the Chinese city of Hangzhou have signed several cooperation agreements aimed at boosting tourism, investment, technology transfer and hospitality development, following a tourism and investment conference held in China.
The agreements were signed on Wednesday during the ‘Pearl of Africa: Uganda-Hangzhou Tourism and Investment Conference’ hosted by the Ugandan Embassy in Beijing at the WTC Narada Hotel in Hangzhou.
The conference brought together government officials, investors, tourism operators, and business leaders from Uganda and China to explore opportunities for cooperation in tourism, trade, innovation, and cultural exchange.
Uganda’s Ambassador to China, Ms Oliver Wonekha, and the Deputy District Chief of Xihu District People’s Government, Lu Jun, officiated at the event and called for closer collaboration between the two sides.
Speaking at the conference, Ambassador Wonekha said Uganda was committed to attracting quality investment and expanding partnerships that support sustainable tourism growth.
A key presentation was delivered by Ambassador Richard Kabonero, the Head of the Regional Economic Cooperation Department at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, who outlined investment opportunities available in Uganda.
Mr Kabonero said Uganda offers opportunities in tourism, agriculture, manufacturing, mineral development, renewable energy, infrastructure, and information and communications technology.
He told potential investors that Uganda’s location at the centre of East Africa, coupled with access to regional markets and ongoing policy reforms, makes the country an attractive investment destination.
‘Uganda offers tremendous opportunities for investors seeking sustainable and high-growth ventures. By combining Uganda’s rich natural and tourism assets with Hangzhou’s expertise in technology, innovation, hospitality management and investment capital, we can build partnerships that create value for both sides while contributing to sustainable economic development,’ Mr Kabonero said.
Officials said discussions focused on how Hangzhou’s expertise in smart tourism, digital technologies, hotel management and investment financing could support Uganda’s efforts to modernise its tourism sector and expand visitor numbers.
The conference ended with the signing of several Memoranda of Understanding between Ugandan and Hangzhou-based partners covering hotel development, tourism promotion, tour operator cooperation, and technology partnerships.
Officials said the agreements are expected to increase tourism flows between the two countries, strengthen business linkages, and support the development of tourism infrastructure and services in Uganda.
The Ugandan Embassy in Beijing said the conference marked another step in deepening economic cooperation between Uganda and China and is expected to spur new investment opportunities in the country.