Oman Opens Door to Ugandan Investors as 80 UMA Members are Invited For Mission

The delegates pause for group photo following the deliberations

 

HABARI DAILY I Kampala, Uganda I   The kingdom of Oman is finally open for business. The recent high powered delegation to Uganda is testimony to this fact.

This delegation made a stopover at the Uganda Manufacturer’s Association (UMA) offices at Lugogo on Tuesday and delivered an open invitation to local businessmen and manufacturers who are ready for joint ventures.

Speaking during the meeting held at Lugogo, in Kampala, Dr Ezra Muhumuza Rubanda, the UMA Executive Director said the 1300 member body wants to leverage the market of Oman, since they are offering stable prices.

“Given the nature of this booming market, our research has revealed that we have a comparative advantage. Our strategic location positions us well to benefit from this trade route,” he said.

This was during a meeting held at the UMA headquarters in Lugogo where Ugandan manufacturers were invited for the East Africa Trade and Investment Expo 2025, which will take place between April 16-17 2025 at St Regis Resort in Muscot, Oman.

 

Dr Ezra Muhumuza Rubanda, the UMA Executive Director (C) taking notes during the recent meeting at Lugogo

 

Dr Rubanda added that they are glad that Mombasa, which is Uganda’s main export port, has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the port of Oman, to expeditiously handle cargo destined for and from the East African region.

“As UMA, we want to leverage this platform and increase our  manufactured exports to Oman. During our trade mission to Oman, which will total 80 delegates, we technical details of their partnership and sign MOU with specific trading bodies, including Export Promotion Zone for Oman,” he said.

Dr Rubanda said the Ugandan trade delegation will tour specific industries while on their visit, in search for joint ventures.

“Our intention is to get long term business partners with whom we can exploit the market. We will not only look at supplying them with raw materials of high value, but also set up factories to process the essential commodities,” he said on the sidelines of the meeting.

He said Oman has high potential for Uganda’s processed coffee, among other agricultural products.

“They are looking for processed milk, sugar and other tourism support resources. There is a lot of potential and opportunity to partner with them,” he said, adding that Ugandans are looking at food sector, food and beverages sector, textiles, steel and construction materials, especially floor tiles and ceramics.

His Royal Highness Al Sayyid Barghash Turki Saif Al Said, the Executive Chairman, organising committee, said that during the exhibition sustainable solutions to growing trade volumes will be arrived at.

Faiz Mohammed Al Shikely, the Chief Executive Officer, Global Digital Technologies Ltd, the co-organisers, said companies from Oman have been participating in the UMA annual international trade fair and have found it beneficial.

 

UMA officials and members of delegation from Oman in discussions during the Lugogo meeting

 

“We intend to make Uganda our economic ally in the region,” he said.

The total population in Oman is around 5 million,. (1:35) And basically, it is an important economy in terms of food. (1:43) It is an important economy in terms of industrial raw materials.

 

Pioneer event

The East African Trade  Expo 2025, will be held in Muscat, Oman between April 16th-17th.

This premier trade event will bring together industry leaders, entrepreneurs and investors from across East Africa and Oman. It will create a dynamic platform to network, learn and explore new markets

It will also feature an exhibition, where Ugandans will exhibit the products they think can be exported to Oman. It will also feature presentations and discussion panels on logistics and potential export commodities to Oman and vice versa.

Some of its objectives include providing a platform for knowledge, exchanges and innovation, as well as showcasing key industries and opportunities for economic collaboration.

It will also facilitate networking and strategic partnerships between businesses and Government bodies and highlight the mutual benefits of increased trade and investment for sustainable economic growth.

 

About Oman

Oman is a country in the southeastern part of the Arabian Peninsula in West Asia. It shares land borders with Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Yemen.

The capital and largest city is Muscat. Oman has a population of about 5.28 million as of 2024, which is a 4.60% population increase from 2023. Globally, it is the 123rd most-populous country, hosting millions of locals and immigrants.

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