- PACEID and UNDP launched an export training program to aid Ugandan exporters in entering the competitive US market.
- Ugandan exporters across various sectors attended online training led by Dr. Chuiri Robert from Global Standards USA.
- The initiative aims to boost exports to the US and strengthen trade ties, with Olivier Kamanzi's support and a focus on technology and vehicles.
Image: courtesy picture
The Presidential Advisory Committee on Exports and Industrial Development (PACEID) in partnership with United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), on Monday 14th August 2023, launched an export preparedness training programme designed to help Ugandan exporters successfully penetrate the highly competitive US market.
The United States offers tremendous opportunities for businesses looking to expand their reach given their USD 18 trillion consumer expenditure. Navigating the complexities of the US market can often prove challenging, necessitating a comprehensive understanding of its unique dynamics.
Odrek Rwabwogo, Chairman PACEID and Nicholas Burunde, a UNDP Representative together with Mrs. Suzan Muhwezi of the AGOA country Response unit, Mrs Olive Kigongo, president of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Ministry of Trade, Industry and cooperatives’ Commissioner for external Trade, Mr. Cleopas Ndolerire, commissioned the training programme. Mrs Henrietta Wamala-President of UNNA and Uganda’s Trade Representative on Coffee in Chicago Cody Lorance attended the inauguration.
Rwabwogo expressed his gratitude to HE the president for supporting the export drive of PACEID and for encouraging Government institutions to attend the export preparedness training session. He thanked Mr. Kamanzi of the Chicago African Chamber of Commerce and the UN Resident Representative office for the support to this effort.
“Ensuring our products meet market standards is paramount in global trade. In a significant step, we have launched the US Export Preparedness Training led by Dr. Chuiri Robert, an AGOA certified trainer. This initiative is a critical step towards equipping Ugandan exporters with the necessary insights to sell to the the US market” Rwabwogo noted.
The launch of the online training was attended by over 30 Ugandan exporters from the thirteen priority sectors planning to attend the B2B session organised by PACEID during the Ugandan North American Association (UNAA) Convention in Dallas, Texas next month. These include; Agnes Netunze (Sseko designs/leather), James Kanyijje of KK Foods, Simon Musisi a vanilla exporter, Andrew Matovu who represented the Presidential Initiative on Banana Industrial Development (PIBID), Brian Mugume of Adventure Consults Uganda, Kamira Haruna from the grain sector, Maria Bisamaza of Sanitary and phytosanitary standards.
This initiative aims to bolster Uganda's key export sectors, including Banana, Coffee, Dried Fruits, Fresh Produce, Leather, Vanilla, Cow Horn, Dairy, Tourism, Grain, and Cocoa as Uganda anticipates a surge in exports to the US. In return, the US is expected to increase its exports to Uganda, focusing on technology, vehicles, and smartphones.
Dr. Chuiri Robert, Founder and CEO of Global Standards USA, an international firm that provides auditing, inspections, certifications and training for companies in the food service industry, is excited about working with Ugandan exporters to help them empower their businesses to maximize their growth potential in the US market.
PACEID and UNDP collaborated with Uganda’s Trade Representative to North America Olivier Kamanzi to launch this comprehensive export preparedness training. Kamanzi is the co-founder of the Africa Global Chamber of Commerce and an International Trade, Financial Manager and Capital Markets expert.