The State Minister of Trade officially opened the 9th edition of the Western Region Trade Fair 2024. The event, organized by the Uganda Manufacturers Association (UMA), was attended by exhibitors, visitors, and stakeholders from across Uganda, all gathered to celebrate innovation, creativity, and the spirit of collaboration within Uganda’s business landscape.

The Western Region Trade Fair has become one of the most anticipated events on Uganda’s industrial and business calendar, and this year’s edition promises to be even more impactful. Serving as a vital platform for manufacturers, businesses, entrepreneurs, and innovators, the fair provides an opportunity to showcase products, exchange ideas, and explore new business opportunities. The event is a testament to the growing potential of Uganda’s private sector and the resilience of local industries.

Themed “Facilitating BUBU through Innovation and Value Addition,” this year’s trade fair aligns closely with the government’s commitment to driving economic growth and industrialization. The State Minister of Trade emphasized the government’s support for initiatives like Buy Uganda Build Uganda (BUBU), which promotes locally manufactured goods and services, encourages sustainable business practices, and fosters job creation across communities.

In his address, the Minister highlighted the significant growth of Uganda’s industrial sector, particularly in industries such as food processing, textiles, construction materials, chemicals, and pharmaceuticals. These sectors have contributed substantially to Uganda’s economy, with the manufacturing sector alone growing by over 6% in the past two years. This growth is largely driven by increased investments in agro-processing, technology, and the development of locally-made products. The sector now contributes 25.4% to Uganda’s GDP, 30.3% to the national tax base, and provides employment to over 2 million Ugandans.

Despite these achievements, the Minister acknowledged the challenges faced by manufacturers, such as tax policy alignment, market access barriers, infrastructure congestion, financial investment hurdles, and the need for better quality standardization. He assured the audience that the government is committed to addressing these challenges and ensuring a favorable business environment for continued growth and success.

The Minister went on to express the government’s dedication to empowering local industries through innovation, value addition, and private sector growth. He noted that the fair serves not only as a celebration of Uganda’s industrial progress but also as a stepping stone toward building a more resilient and self-sustaining economy.

With over 120 exhibitors, this year’s trade fair offers a diverse showcase of businesses from the Western Region. The 50,000 visitors expected to attend will have the chance to interact with top innovators and industry leaders, discover new products, and explore exciting opportunities in sectors such as agriculture, manufacturing, technology, and services.

The state minister also acknowledged the invaluable role of the event’s sponsors, Pearl Dairy Farm, Crestanks, Roofings Group, and Steel & Tube Companies, for their significant contributions to the fair.

The fair presents a wealth of opportunities for local businesses, whether through networking, gaining valuable insights from visitors, or securing new orders. Additionally, with its emphasis on sectors such as agro-processing, value addition, and mineral development, the trade fair seeks to equip businesses with the tools needed to take their operations to the next level. Special training sessions on agro-processing and value addition will provide essential skills and knowledge to help local industries thrive.

Looking forward, the state minister emphasized the need for continued support for local businesses, an enabling environment for entrepreneurship and innovation, and strengthening collaboration across all sectors of Uganda’s economy. The future of the nation’s economy lies in the success of both large and small businesses, as well as strategic investments in local industries.

As the 9th Western Region Trade Fair officially opens, the Minister urged all attendees to fully embrace the opportunity to network, exchange ideas, and form lasting partnerships that will contribute to Uganda’s continued economic growth and development.

The 9th Western Region Trade Fair 2024 is now officially open, and it is set to be a remarkable event that will further the growth of Uganda’s industrial and business landscape.