India and Uganda Deepen Trade Ties at 3rd Joint Trade Committee Meeting

The two-day meeting underscored the mutual desire to bridge existing trade gaps and realize the untapped potential for economic collaboration.

The Third Session of the India-Uganda Joint Trade Committee (JTC) was successfully held on the 25th and 26th of March 2025 in New Delhi, signaling a renewed commitment by both nations to enhance and diversify their bilateral trade and economic relations. The session came after a 23-year hiatus, marking a significant milestone in the strategic partnership between India and Uganda. The two-day meeting underscored the mutual desire to bridge existing trade gaps and realize the untapped potential for economic collaboration.

The Indian delegation was led by Economic Adviser to the Department of Commerce, Ms. Priya P. Nair, while the Ugandan side was co-chaired by Ambassador Elly Kamahungye Kafeero, Head of the International Political Cooperation Department, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Republic of Uganda. Ambassador Kafeero was accompanied by Ambassador Professor Joyce Kikafunda Kakuramatsi, Head of Mission, Uganda High Commission in New Delhi, and a high-level 28-member Ugandan delegation comprising senior officials from various ministries and Uganda’s Mission in India.

Renewed Focus on Trade Expansion and Investment

During the session, both sides conducted a comprehensive review of the current trade relationship. They noted that while trade between India and Uganda has been growing, it remains below potential. To this end, both countries committed to taking targeted steps to increase trade volumes, diversify the trade basket, and create robust mechanisms to address trade barriers.

Key discussions revolved around the establishment of an India-Uganda Joint Business Forum, which would act as a platform to bring together industry leaders, investors, and entrepreneurs from both countries. This forum aims to facilitate stronger engagement and address practical challenges faced by businesses operating bilaterally.

Identified Sectors for Enhanced Cooperation

A broad range of sectors were identified as high-potential areas for collaboration:

• Agriculture and Agro-processing: Including trade in coffee, cocoa products, pulses, fruits, vegetables, spices, and dairy.

• Minerals and Mining: With a special focus on critical minerals such as Rare Earth Elements (REE) and petrochemicals.

• Healthcare and Pharmaceuticals: Including exploration of mutual recognition of Indian Pharmacopoeia and partnerships in traditional medicine, telemedicine, and pharmaceutical exports.

• Digital Infrastructure: Collaborations in e-commerce, fintech, and rural digital connectivity.

• MSME Development: Joint initiatives in micro, small, and medium enterprises, including cluster development and capacity building.

• Banking and Finance: Greater integration of financial systems and improved support for cross-border investments.

• Energy and Sustainability: Opportunities in solar energy, electric vehicles, and rural electrification.

Institutional and Regulatory Cooperation

The session also focused on strengthening institutional cooperation. Agreements were discussed for potential Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) in the areas of:

• Public Works and Infrastructure Development

• Standardization and Quality Assurance

• Agriculture and Allied Sectors

• Traditional and Modern Healthcare Systems

• Investment Promotion and Facilitation

Both sides emphasized the need for stronger collaboration between their respective Investment Promotion Agencies, recognizing the role of regulatory clarity and institutional support in attracting investments.

High-Level Inauguration and Strategic Vision

The inaugural session was addressed by Shri Ajay Bhadoo, Additional Secretary, Department of Commerce, Government of India. He underscored the deep-rooted and historic relations between India and Uganda and called for greater economic synergy in emerging areas such as e-commerce, clean energy, MSME ecosystem enhancement, and healthcare infrastructure.

Field Visit to Noida SEZ

On the sidelines of the JTC, the Ugandan delegation visited the Noida Special Economic Zone (SEZ) to study India’s export-oriented industrial infrastructure. The visit served as a knowledge-sharing opportunity and inspired ideas for replicating similar models in Uganda, particularly in the creation of export-processing zones and industrial clusters.

A Spirit of Cooperation and Shared Prosperity

The 3rd India-Uganda Joint Trade Committee meeting was held in a spirit of warmth, friendship, and mutual respect. Both countries reiterated their shared commitment to South-South cooperation and the goal of inclusive, sustainable economic growth.

The outcomes of this session are expected to lay the groundwork for a stronger and more diversified partnership between the two nations. The momentum generated by this meeting is likely to catalyze greater business-to-business engagements, policy alignments, and investments in the coming years, contributing significantly to the economic development of both India and Uganda.

As India continues to expand its footprint in Africa and Uganda seeks trusted economic partnerships for its Vision 2040, the strengthening of bilateral trade ties between the two nations stands as a promising model of collaborative growth.