Somalia and Uganda have launched a joint business forum and exhibition in Mogadishu to strengthen economic relations, expand trade and investment, and promote private-sector partnerships between the two countries.
The event, which began on Wednesday, is being held alongside the mid-term review of the second session of the Somalia-Uganda Joint Permanent Commission (JPC II). The meetings, running from October 20 to 23, bring together government officials, business leaders and other stakeholders to review existing bilateral agreements and identify new areas of cooperation.
Somalia’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Abdisalam Ali, officially opened the Joint Permanent Commission review in Mogadishu on Wednesday. Discussions are focusing on security, trade, investment, tourism and labour cooperation.
A 35-member Ugandan delegation is participating in the engagements, which also include business-to-business meetings and a joint exhibition designed to connect companies from both countries and explore commercial opportunities.
Uganda’s Minister of Gender, Labour and Social Development, Henry K. Tumukunde, delivered a keynote address highlighting the importance of regional integration in creating employment opportunities, particularly for young people.
Tumukunde also called for the conclusion of “a binding Bilateral Labour Agreement between Somalia and Uganda to protect workers’ rights and welfare in both countries” . The proposed agreement is a key priority of the ongoing discussions.
Officials said the forum provides an “opportunity to strengthen economic ties and encourage practical cooperation between the two countries, which share longstanding relations” .
The engagements are expected to conclude on Thursday, October 22, with both sides seeking progress on bilateral agreements and initiatives to expand trade, tourism, investment and labour mobility.
The initiative reflects broader efforts to strengthen African economic integration through regional partnerships, private-sector engagement and increased cross-border business opportunities.
Mustaqbal
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