China-funded Tian Tang Industrial Park employs over 2,000 youths, park visited by PM

Prime Minister of Uganda, Ruhakana Rugunda toured Tian Tang Industrial Park in the central region of the east African country on April 5. Rugunda said China is an old friend of Africa.

The 71-year old Ugandan politician opined that China supports Africa in critical areas that will fast track the continent's economic development. He said that the Chinese industrial parks established in Uganda will create jobs for the youths and also contribute to the economic development of the country.

Uganda's ambassador to China, Crispus Kiyonga said the government is exploring opportunities presented by the Chinese government's move of encouraging Provinces to go out and invest in Africa. Zhao Xiufen, Economic and Commercial Counselor at the Chinese embassy, noted that Uganda ranks third in Africa as a destination of Chinese foreign direct investment. She said there are several Chinese industrial parks that have been established in Uganda.

Paul Zhang, Chairman of Tian Tang Group, said over 2,000 youths are employed at the industrial park that hosts four factories that deal in steel, foam and wood. About 10,000 other people are employed through the supply chain of the factories. Some of the products are exported to neighbouring Burundi, Rwanda, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Kenya and South Sudan. Experts advised Uganda to focus on the new wave of industrialization that is seeing factories move from China to Africa.

Paul Zhang, Chairman of Tian Tang Group, said over 2,000 youths are employed at the industrial park that hosts four factories that deal in steel, foam and wood. About 10,000 other people are employed through the supply chain of the factories. Some of the products are exported to neighbouring Burundi, Rwanda, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Kenya and South Sudan. Experts advised Uganda to focus on the new wave of industrialization that is seeing factories move from China to Africa.

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