The Government of Uganda took part in the recently concluded 9th Forum on China-Africa Cooperation held in Beijing from 2nd to 8th September 2024. The Government delegation was led by H.E the Vice President, Maj. Rtd. Jessica Alupo.
As part of the engagements and outcomes of the forum and its associated side events, the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries (MAAIF) of Uganda and the General Administration of Customs of the People’s Republic of China (GACC) on behalf of the Chinese Government, signed two protocols, i.e.;
Protocol on inspection, quarantine, and sanitary requirements of wild aquatic products including Nile perch fillets, Headless and gutted Nile perch, fish maw, fish skins, fish scales; silver fish products to be exported from Uganda to China. For purposes of the protocol, wild fish aquatic products refer to wild aquatic animal products and their processed products, marine plants such as alga, which are fit for human consumption, but DO NOT include live aquatic animals, breeding materials of aquatic animals and plants or the species prohibited by the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES).
- Protocol on inspection, quarantine, and sanitary requirements for Export of Dried Chilies from Uganda to China. The protocol formalizes an agreement on the export of dried chilies as it opens up the door to accessing one of the world’s largest chili consumer markets.
Current situation on export of Chilies and Wild aquatic products
There have been numerous calls and complaints from the general public especially those involved in export of wild aquatic products listed above (Nile perch fillets, Headless and gutted Nile perch, fish maw, fish skins, fish scales, and silver fish products) and Dried Chilies over difficulties in exporting products to the huge Chinese market of 1.4 Bn people. Currently;
- As a Country, we have NOT been exporting Chilies to the Chinese Market because it is an international norm that before any country exports products of plant origin to another country, a scientific assessment must be undertaken to understand the risk of introduction of new or exotic pests into the importing country. In this case, background research was done jointly by the scientists of the two countries, high risk pests identified and mitigation measures jointly agreed upon leading to the signing of the protocol on Dried Chilies.
- While the Chinese market for wild aquatic products like Nile perch fillets, Headless and gutted Nile perch, fish maw, fish skins, fish scales; silver fish are enormous, most of these products have not been going through official channels, but instead they have been moving through non-designated trade routes and consequently reaching China as if originating from other countries. This protocol was, therefore, a requirement to ensure that all wild aquatic products that qualify to go to China are fit (safe) for human consumption and are given a stamp of approval by the Chinese authorities.
The signing of the two protocols, therefore, represents a significant leap forward for Uganda’s agricultural export development and will contribute to creating a balance of trade with China.
During the event, Hon. Frank K. Tumwebaze, Minister of Agriculture, Animal Industry, and Fisheries (MAAIF), highlighted the significance of coffee to Uganda’s economy, noting its role as a major foreign exchange earner and its contribution to the livelihoods of millions of smallholder farmers. He emphasized the importance of registering coffee value chain actors to ensure compliance with both local and international standards, particularly in light of new European Union regulations aimed at preventing deforestation. The Minister further appealed to stakeholders to support this initiative as a key step towards promoting sustainability and expanding market access for Ugandan coffee.
Below are his detailed remarks:
