Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Thomas Tayebwa, has called on a visiting delegation of Chinese legislators to promote Uganda as a prime tourism destination for Chinese citizens.
Speaking to the National People’s Congress (NPC) delegation, led by H.E. Zhong Shan, on September 23, 2024, Tayebwa highlighted Uganda’s rich tourism potential and urged the delegation to encourage Chinese tourists to explore the “Pearl of Africa.”
Tayebwa praised the strong ties between Uganda and China, particularly in infrastructure development, citing key projects like the Kampala-Entebbe Expressway, the Isimba and Karuma hydro power plants, and the Entebbe International Airport expansion, all funded by China.
He also commended the trade relationship between the two nations, though he acknowledged the trade imbalance. While Uganda exports goods worth US$94.93 million to China, it imports over US$1.8 billion in return. He urged greater efforts to increase Uganda’s exports, which include beef, pepper, and fish products.
Zhong Shan, a member of China’s highest legislative body, expressed China’s readiness to strengthen ties and collaborate on the outcomes of the recent Forum on China-Africa Cooperation. He pledged to present Tayebwa’s proposals to the NPC upon his return to China.
The meeting was attended by various Ugandan MPs, alongside Hon. Henry Musasizi, Minister of State for Finance, who acknowledged China’s significant role in Uganda’s economic growth. Musasizi shared Uganda’s ambitious plan to boost its GDP from US$55 billion to US$500 billion by 2039.
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