Sri Lanka, Uganda to enhance bilateral trade

Ugandan President Youveri Museveni arrived in Sri Lanka on a two day official visit yesterday. The Ugandan delegation will reach several agreements enhancing the bilateral relations between the two countries, an External Affairs Ministry official said.

Ugandan President Youveri Museveni

Sri Lanka and Uganda look forward to enhancing bilateral trade between the two countries, with potential for a significant increase in many sectors. During bilateral discussions with President of Uganda Gen. Yoweri Kaguta Museveni at the Presidential Secretariat in Colombo yesterday President Mahinda Rajapaksa pointed out the need to significantly enhance trade between the two countries.

Sri Lanka has a vibrant private sector and we welcome them to participate in investment in Uganda , which is rich in mineral and other natural resources, President Museveni said.

President Rajapaksa appreciated the support extended to Sri Lanka by Uganda in the international fora, particularly at the UN Human Rights Council and pre-CHOGM Foreign Minister's meeting in Perth last year.

Pointing out that there are three mini hydro power projects in Uganda run by investors from Sri Lanka , President Museveni sought more Sri Lankan investment and expertise to set up further hydro power projects in his country.

He also expressed willingness to share Sri Lanka 's knowledge and experience in the apparel sector, and was looking forward to seeing the development in this sector. President Rajapaksa said Sri Lanka is happy to assist Uganda in developing human resources through establishing a vocational training and technical training institute in Uganda. "We have allocated over US $ 1 million to carry out renovation and do other infrastructure facilities. We will also upgrade your trainers," he said.

Two leaders also discussed air connectivity between the two countries. President Rajapaksa accepted the proposal made by the Ugandan President to open a Sri Lankan mission in Uganda . President Museveni looks forward to visit Sri Lanka at the next CHOGM in 2013.