Report: F T Reporter:
ISLAMABAD — Uganda has invited Pakistani investors to explore its expanding agriculture, mineral, energy and tourism sectors, offering tax incentives for greenfield investments and proposing a dedicated Pakistan-Uganda business forum and farm-visit delegation to establish direct commercial linkages between the two countries.
Uganda’s Charge d’Affaires, Ambassador Matata Twaha, made these remarks while addressing an interactive business meeting at the Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ICCI) on Saturday.
He said Uganda was ready to facilitate Pakistani entrepreneurs in exploring investment opportunities and establishing direct trade channels. He stressed that despite longstanding diplomatic relations, Pakistan-Uganda ties needed to translate into stronger trade and investment.
Ambassador Matata Twaha proposed that a delegation of Pakistani businessmen visit Uganda in October for a week-long business forum and farm visits covering tea, coffee, cocoa, cotton and other agricultural commodities, besides exploring opportunities in minerals and other sectors.
He also proposed establishing a dedicated chamber-to-chamber mechanism between ICCI and the Uganda Chamber of Commerce and suggested holding the first Pakistan-Uganda trade exhibition in either Islamabad or Kampala.
ICCI President Sardar Tahir Mehmood said Pakistan’s relationship with Africa could no longer remain limited to diplomatic goodwill and must evolve into a dynamic partnership based on trade, investment, technology and shared prosperity.
He said reported Pakistani exports to Uganda stood at around $4 million in 2025, while imports were approximately $9.3 million, putting the reported bilateral trade volume at about $13.2 million.
Deputy High Commissioner of Pakistan to Uganda Bilal Mohsin said the initiative had emerged from discussions held over the past few months aimed at bringing Pakistani and Ugandan business communities closer. He said Uganda was offering a 10-year tax holiday, while greenfield investors could benefit from tax incentives extendable up to 25 years.
Former ICCI President Zafar Bakhtawari called for stronger Pakistan-Africa relations and suggested exploring direct air connectivity between Pakistan and Kampala. He also urged Uganda to consider establishing a diplomatic mission in Islamabad.
The meeting was also attended by ICCI Vice President Irfan Chaudhry, Executive Members Waseem Chaudhry, Imran Minhas and Zulqurnain Abbasi, former Senior Vice President Khalid Chaudhry, ICCI member Zia Abbasi and other business representatives.
