"Our ambition is to help those companies which have problems, those which are poor, and those in political conflict to become export oriented companies," he said.
The Swedish fruit and vegetable market, which is estimated at $1 billion (Shs1.7 trillion), could be the next destination for Ugandan horticultural exports.
Horticultural products are one of the non-traditional exports that have been promoted by government for the last five years. The horticultural sector currently contributes about $7 million (Shs11.9 billion) to entire export earnings of more than $2 billion (Shs3.4 trillion).
Ugandan horticultural products have attracted high demand from the European Union market because of their organic nature. "We import almost everything among which are fruits and vegetables, we have a market for bananas, spices, and coffee," Mr Matern said.
He was optimistic that through this initiative Uganda and Africa in general trade balance with Sweden of only 0.4 per cent will increase. Under the programme, five Ugandan small and medium enterprises (SMEs) will send a delegation to Sweden in October to showcase and promote Uganda's agricultural diversity.
The companies include Reco Industries, Fiona Commodities-fruit Processors; Sulma Foods-fresh fruit; Kampala Domestic Stores, Taimex, and Janet Exclusive Designers. The companies will also visit Swedish corporations currently doing business in East Africa such as Ericsson, ABB Energy Corporation, and Tetra Pak among others.
Source: The Monitor
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