A delegation led by the permanent secretary ministry of Foreign Affairs, Mr Bagiire Vincent Waiswa on 20th June 2025 held a meeting with Executive board member of the Istanbul chamber of Commerce, Mr. Bahadır Yaşik. Mr. Bagiire was accompanied to the meeting by Uganda’s Ambassador to Türkiye, Amb. Nusura Tiperu, Deputy Director for Investment Promotion and Uganda Tourism Board Marketing Manager Francis Nyende.
Istanbul is Turkey oldest and biggest city with a population of 25 million people. It accounts for 30.4% of Turkey’s GDP which is 1.4 trillion USD. Istanbul also accounts for over 60% of Turkey’s total industrial production. The Istanbul Chamber of Commerce has a membership of 820,000 members and is 143 years old.
Considering the profile of Istanbul and its chamber of commerce, improving economic relations between Istanbul chamber of commerce and Uganda is a strategic undertaking. The purpose of the meeting, organized by the Uganda Embassy in Ankara was to promote and enhance economic relations between Uganda and the Istanbul Chamber of Commerce.
During deliberations, Mr. Bagiire detailed investment opportunities in Uganda, highlighting available investment incentives, the policy and legal framework that supports investors in Uganda as well as available markets which include regional, continental and global markets. He further detailed sectors critical to Uganda’s achievement of the 10-fold growth strategy such as Agro industrialization, Tourism development, mineral beneficiaries , Science, technology and innovation (ATMS).
Giving assurances of the security situation of Uganda in comparison to regional and global situations, Bagiire stated that, in comparison, Uganda was more stable than many countries including those that issue travel advisories against her from time to time.
On his part, Mr. Yasik welcomed the Permanent Secretary and his delegation. He recognized the cordial relations between Uganda and Türkiye stating that that Istanbul Chamber of Commerce was willing and ready to work with Uganda in sectors of mutual benefit. He requested for detailed information on bankable projects in the ATMS sector to facilitate his chamber in making arrangements for a Mission to Uganda. He promised that his chamber would be ready to travel to Uganda once information on bankable projects has been shared with the chamber.
