Deputy Speaker Urges Chinese Lawmakers to Promote Ugandan Tourism
Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa has called on Chinese lawmakers to promote Uganda as a tourism destination, expressing hopes for increased Chinese visits. He highlighted the strong Uganda-China relationship, noting significant infrastructure projects financed by China. Tayebwa addressed trade imbalances and thanked China for its substantial pledges to support African programs, while Zhong Shan affirmed China’s commitment to partnership with Uganda.
The Deputy Speaker of the Ugandan Parliament, Thomas Tayebwa, has urged a delegation of Chinese lawmakers to leverage their influence in promoting Uganda as a prime tourist destination for Chinese travelers. During a reception for the Chinese delegation from the National People’s Congress (NPC), led by H.E. Zhong Shan, Tayebwa expressed hopes that their visit would bolster Uganda’s visibility in China. He described Uganda as the “Pearl of Africa” and called for increased tourism from China to support Uganda’s economic development. Tayebwa highlighted the fruitful relationship between Uganda and China, referencing significant infrastructure projects financed by Chinese loans, including the Kampala-Entebbe Expressway, Isimba Hydro Power Plant, Karuma Hydro Power Plant, the expansion of Entebbe International Airport, and the National ICT backbone project. He expressed gratitude for China’s assistance, which has had a transformative impact on Uganda’s infrastructure. Furthermore, Tayebwa praised China for maintaining favorable trade relations, notably through a 98 percent tax waiver on Chinese imports. However, he acknowledged the challenges Uganda faces in meeting the required standards for exports to China, with current figures showing exports to China at approximately USD 94.93 million, in stark contrast to imports totaling USD 1.817 billion. He also conveyed appreciation for China’s commitment of USD 51 billion to support African programs over the next three years, as announced at a recent Africa-China summit. In response, Zhong reaffirmed China’s commitment to collaboration, stating that China aims to work alongside Uganda and other African nations to realize agreements established during the forum. The meeting, which took place in the Parliament Conference Hall, also included notable attendance from various Members of Parliament, emphasizing the collaborative spirit between Uganda and its Chinese counterparts. Minister of State for Finance, Planning and Economic Development, Hon. Henry Musasizi, reinforced the importance of Chinese investments, noting Uganda’s steady GDP growth and its ambitious goal of expanding its economy significantly by 2039.
In recent years, Uganda has actively sought to enhance its tourism sector by attracting international visitors, particularly from key markets such as China. As one of the fastest-growing economies in Africa, Uganda has recognized the potential benefits of tourism on its GDP and overall economic development. The Deputy Speaker’s outreach to Chinese lawmakers reflects a strategic approach to harness foreign influence to elevate Uganda’s image as a travel destination, particularly in light of previous positive diplomatic and economic engagements with China, which have included substantial investment in critical infrastructure projects.
In summary, the engagement between Ugandan lawmakers and the Chinese delegation serves as a pivotal moment in fostering stronger tourism ties between the two nations. By advocating for increased Chinese tourism to Uganda, the Deputy Speaker underscores the importance of international collaboration in promoting economic growth and sustainability. The ongoing commitment of China to African development, coupled with Uganda’s strategic efforts, positions both nations to reap mutual benefits in the realm of tourism and trade.
Original Source: www.zawya.com
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