Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao (R) meets with Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, Nov. 3, 2006. (Xinhua Photo) Photo Gallery >>>

Chinese premier promises more imports from Uganda

    BEIJING, Nov. 3 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao promised here Friday that China will increase import from Uganda as an effort to bolster bilateral trade.

    "The economic and trade cooperation between China and Uganda has become more and more diversified...Based on the good foundation, China will take further measures to increase the import of Ugandan products," Wen told Ugandan President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, who is here to attend the Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC).

    China-Uganda trade has been on a rise in recent years with bilateral trade at 99.37 million U.S. dollars in 2005.

    Wen said China and Uganda are complementary in economy. "China encourages Chinese enterprises to invest in Uganda and expand cooperation with Ugandan counterparts in the fields of agriculture,water conservancy and infrastructure construction," Wen said.

    The premier also said that China will continue to provide educational and medical assistance to Uganda.

    Museveni said Uganda appreciates China's efforts to increase import from Uganda and will take the opportunity to expand economic and trade cooperation with China.

    He said that Chinese enterprises are welcomed to participate inthe agricultural, telecommunications, railway, water and electricity projects in Uganda.

    China and Uganda forged diplomatic ties on Oct. 18, 1962. Chinese President Hu Jintao (then vice president) visited Uganda in 2001 and Wen visited Uganda in 2006. Museveni visited China in 2004.

    The two leaders also extolled the China-Africa relations, saying that to deepen trust and improve cooperation between China and African countries will also benefit world peace and prosperity.  

    The two-day landmark Beijing Summit, due to open on Saturday, is believed to be the biggest diplomatic event ever hosted by China as leaders from 48 African nations gathered in the Chinese capital.

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