The Speaker of Parliament, Rebecca Kadaga and the Chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), HE Wang Yang have committed to continue strengthening ties between the two countries.
The two leaders made the commitment during a visit by Wang and a delegation from the CPPCC to Parliament on 15 June, 2018. Present at the meeting were Ugandan MPs including Parliamentary Commissioners and the Clerk to Parliament.
Kadaga applauded China for their renewed commitment in reducing trade imbalance between the two countries which she said puts Uganda at 90 per cent while China is at three percent.
“There will be a trade expo in China in November this year and the Chairman of CPPCC has assured us that companies from Uganda will be given special opportunity and priority,” said Kadaga.
The Speaker further said that China’s positive response to a request to transfer Ugandan convicted offenders back to the country goes to show the commitment towards maintaining good relations between the two countries.
“I want Ugandans to know that we discussed the possibility of transfer of Ugandans convicted in China and the Chairman said that they will think about it. It is work in progress,” said Kadaga.
Wan Yang acknowledged Parliament’s efforts in maintaining close relations with the CPPCC, saying that China has over time enjoyed good cooperation with Uganda in all areas. He said that the China-Uganda cooperation is a model and template of Africa-China cooperation.
“Uganda was one of the first countries to establish diplomatic relations with China and ever since then, both countries have treated each other as equals, carried out friendly and sincere cooperation which has produced fruitful results,” said Wang.
Wang added that the economic cooperation on trade have been productive between the two countries.
“China is Uganda’s largest source of direct foreign investment, major engineering contractor and major trading partner, “Wang added
Wang Yang’s visit to Uganda is his first oversees visit after becoming the Chairman of the National Committee on CPPCC in March this year. The former CPPCC Chairman also visited Parliament during his tenure in office.
The CPPCC is a political advisory body in China. The organisation consists of delegates from a range of political parties and organisations as well as independent members.
The functions of this body include conducting political consultation and democratic supervision as well as organising member parties, organisations and people from various ethnic groups to discuss and manage state affairs.
