Commonwealth assists Uganda to set up export strategy

The Commonwealth Secretariat has assisted Uganda to set up a national export strategy. The strategy -- to be launched on 5 October 2007 in the capital Kampala -- focuses on improving the country's competitiveness and exploiting its regional comparative advantage in goods and services for the export market.

The strategy is meant to align policy to national and regional development issues; help develop linkages with regional and international markets and institutions; combine incentives and supply side measures; and prioritise sectors and strategic activities.

Speaking ahead of the launch, Isaac Njoroge, a trade adviser in the Secretariat's Special Advisory Services Division, said that during the last three decades, the growth of exports from many African countries has not kept pace with the surge in global trade and this has meant that the continent has not fully benefited from globalisation.

Mr Njoroge, who managed the project, added that while it is true that a number of Sub-Saharan countries -- including Uganda -- have experienced high growth of exports over the past few years, "the main question is whether this unprecedented growth is sustainable in the medium to long term in a competitive global environment."

"This is where the formulation of a national export strategy comes in," he explained.

He noted that the development of Uganda's national export strategy is in line with the Secretariat's goal of supporting pro-poor policies.

"The Secretariat has a keen focus on increasing economic growth and promoting sustainable development. We believe the implementation of Uganda's national export strategy will find considerable support with the country's development partners and international development agencies," Mr Njoroge stated.

He stressed, however, that the development of a national export strategy and its implementation can only succeed in an environment where all key players in the economy deliver on their roles and responsibilities.

Mr Njoroge particularly pointed out the positive role the public, private as well as civil society sectors have played in ensuring the formulation of the strategy.

Regarding the implementation of the strategy, Mr Njoroge said: "It is not going to be easy but if the commitment that was demonstrated during the development of the strategy phase was to be replicated during the implementation phase, there is no doubt that the targets that the strategy has set will be achieved. And so will be the vision of a 'dynamic and competitive export-driven economy for national prosperity and development'.

"The Commonwealth Secretariat is very proud to have been involved in providing technical and financial support to the process."

Key Links:

• Country Profile: Uganda