Germany expresses interest in enhancing economic diplomacy with Uganda

The Ambassador of Germany to Uganda Matthias Friedrich Gottlob Schauer has expressed desire to continue working closely with Uganda's foreign affairs ministry in order to enhance economic diplomacy with the East African nation.

Ambassador Gottlob Schauer says this can be achieved through the exchange of visits of business delegations, which will create business-to-business linkages between the two countries.

The ambassador was on Saturday presenting copies of credentials to Sam Kutesa, Uganda's minister of Foreign Affairs at the ministry's headquarters in Kampala.

Responding to the ambassador, Kutesa promised that his ministry will accord him "all the necessary assistance he needs to accomplish his assignments during his tour of duty," reads a statement from the ministry.

Minister Kutesa also took time to congratulate the Ambassador Designate upon his appointment and hailed the excellent bilateral relations between Uganda and Germany. 

He further noted that this appointment would strengthen bilateral cooperation, promote trade and investment between both countries.

Kutesa also hailed Germany for the support extended to Uganda in the Water, Energy and Governance sectors. 

Germany established diplomatic relations with Uganda immediately after she gained independence on 9 October 1962. Among the EU countries, Germany is one of Uganda’s most important trading partners (with bilateral trade worth approximately 210 million euros), alongside the UK, the Netherlands and Belgium.

Uganda’s main exports to Germany are coffee, gold, tea, fish, smaller quantities of other agricultural products, cobalt and basic technical products.

Uganda’s main imports from Germany are machinery and chemical products. According to Federal Statistical Office figures, Uganda ranked 123rd among Germany’s 239 trading partners (German exports) in 2017.