Djibouti's consul to Uganda, Muhammad Majyambere, the has said Djibouti has given Uganda $20m to increase exports of fruit and related products to the horn of Africa. Some of the fruits that Djibouti is eyeing include: mangoes, pineapples, jack fruit, pawpaws and bananas, among others.
Majyambere made the remarks after meeting members of the Federation of Associations of Uganda exporters [FAUEX] and the ministry of trade to discuss how Uganda can benefit from doing business with Djibouti.
"My government has set aside $100m specifically to import fruit products from within the region but we decided that Uganda gets part of this deal so that the farmers can benefit directly from this venture," noted Majyambere.
John Kavuma, the president of FAUEX, requested Djibouti grant them free clearance for Ugandan exports under the COMESA trading arrangement and also assist them secure a permanent warehouse, where goods shall be traded.
Majyambere granted Kavuma his wish, saying: "You are free to visit the country and make arrangements to secure that warehouse so that it can work as a one-stop shop for all Ugandan imports into our country." He said the country would make all the necessary arrangements to ensure that Ugandan products are secured into Djibouti.
Majyambere said because Djibouti was dry, they import all their pineapples and other fruit products from France.
Uganda has already been given the opportunity to export horticulture products to Djibouti under the COMESA trade arrangement. Kavuma said he was happy that Djibouti had opened up more space for Ugandan exports, urging businesses to take advantage of this opportunity.
Source: allafrica.com
