The governments of Uganda and Serbia have signed an agreement to allow Ugandan products enter into the Serbian and Balkan markets.
During the ceremony, both states agreed to revive the trade agreement that was signed between the government of the Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia and Uganda seeking to enhance and develop economic cooperation and bilateral relations.
State Minister for Trade, Gen Wilson Mbadi and Tomislav Momirović, Serbia’s Minister of Internal and Foreign Trade signed the agreement on behalf of Uganda and Serbia respectively during a ceremony that took place in Niš city.
During the event, both countries also signed the Bilateral Air Services Agreement (BASA) to enhance connectivity and trade between the two countries and other African destinations.
Tumusiime Aggrey, Senior Air Transport Officer in charge of Regulation represented the transport ministry while Ms. Mirjana Cizmarov, Director General, Civil Aviation Directorate, represented Serbia during the signing.
Speaking during the function, Gen Mbadi said the signing of the agreement was a follow up of President Museveni’s state visit to Serbia in 2023.
“I therefore, commend our trade representative in the Republic of Serbia, Mr Bratislav, and the Chairperson of the Presidential Advisory Committee on Exports and Industrial Development (PACEID) Mr Odrek Rwabwogo, for working tirelessly to ensure that the efforts of our two presidents are taken forward. We can cooperate in other sectors besides trade such as Science Technology and Innovation, Tourism, Education, Culture and others agreed upon between the two nations,”Gen Mbadi said.
Tomislav expressed optimism about building on the already-established political relations to enhance trade.
He further noted that President Museveni’s visit to Serbia last year was a game-changer in the relations between the two nations.
“Our relations with Uganda are deep-rooted. As the successor of Yugoslavia, we would like to continue cooperation with not only Uganda but all of Africa. We always like to work jointly with our allies with respect for mutual benefit instead of taking their resources as raw materials. We can do much more to boost our economies with this agreement and my government is committed to ensuring that what has happened here today is just the beginning of better things to come in the future.”
PACEID chairman Odrek Rwabwogo has thanked Tomislav and his government for the kind of work done between Serbia and Africa to revitalize what was lost over time.
He expressed his admiration for the city of Nis and its rich history considering it is the birthplace of Constantine the Great.
“Being in the City of Nis to sign this agreement, a city where you defended your country and made it the capital during World War 1, gives me pleasure. The museums, the beautiful people, and the rich culture of Nis are a testament to how much you have resisted. I want to also thank President Vucic for welcoming President Museveni. These two think alike. They think differently and independently and they are a blessing to the people of Serbia and the people of Uganda.”
Rwabwogo explained the ‘Six Step Model’ that Uganda is adopting not just for coffee but other products to be exported to Serbia and other Balkan states.
The model involves processing at home to leave some value at home, distribution at retail level, assembling of machines at home using Serbian technology, opening cultural exchange and trade (both in Uganda & Serbia), renewing bilateral agreements to make them work for both Ugandans and Serbians and using these bilateral agreements to reduce or completely remove tax to support each other’s prosperity.
Rwabwogo added that Uganda is working towards advancing to data and analytics ecosystems, strengthening negotiation capacities between the European Union and other countries, building more capacity and authority to serve Serbian companies better, and setting up industrial parks to ensure sustainable supply of Ugandan products to Serbia, which he referred to as ‘SERBIA 2.0’.
Newly appointed trade envoy, Bratislav, hailed President Museveni for creating an environment that has enabled businesses and investors to operate seamlessly, especially peace and stability in the region.
“This is a special occasion to be with my brothers and sisters from Uganda in the City of Nis, my birthplace. We want Ugandan products not only in Serbia but the entire Balkan region and beyond.”
It was agreed that the second session of the Joint Trade Commission between the Republic of Serbia and the Republic of Uganda will be held in Kampala, in February 2025 on a date to be agreed upon.
