(Kampala) – Vice President Jessica Alupo has extended an invitation to Chinese businesspersons, explaining that Uganda is open to all forms of foreign direct investment, whether through sole ventures or partnerships with the Government of Uganda. She made this announcement on September 3, 2024, during a meeting with representatives from China Henan International Cooperation Group (CHICO), a significant economic and trade enterprise under the jurisdiction of Henan Province.
Alupo highlighted Uganda’s longstanding relationship with CHICO, recalling the company’s prior involvement in major infrastructure projects. In 2012, CHICO was awarded a $34.5 million contract to construct the 74-kilometer Gulu-Atiak section of the Nimule Road. They were also responsible for upgrading the Rukungiri-Kwishi-Ishaka-Kanungu road at a cost of $57 million. These successful projects, Alupo pointed out, underscore CHICO’s established presence and reliability in Uganda.
She further explained that under the Third National Development Plan (NDPIII), which will extend into the Fourth National Development Plan (NDPIV), Uganda’s Government is focused on priority areas such as agro-industrialization, tourism development, mining and mineral processing—including oil and gas—and advancements in science and innovation. Alupo expressed confidence that CHICO, given its impressive profile and track record, is well-suited to partner with Uganda in achieving these ambitious objectives.
Xie Hui, the Chief Executive Officer of CHICO, shared insights into the company’s extensive experience and capabilities. Established in 1953, CHICO’s core businesses encompass international engineering contracting, overseas mineral development, and international trade. Hui noted that the company has successfully completed over 800 international projects across more than 20 countries in Asia and Africa, and currently employs a global workforce of over 10,000 people. Their expertise spans sectors such as transportation, mining, water resources, power, and trade.
In a related meeting, Alupo also hosted representatives from AVIC-INT Project Engineering Company and China CAMC Engineering Company Ltd. She commended these firms for their role in establishing cottage industries in Uganda, which have created job opportunities for the country’s youth. She also praised China CAMC for its assistance in electrifying industrial parks and free trade zones, highlighting Uganda’s commitment to industrialization as a key strategy for national transformation.
Dr. Elaine Kiew, the head of the delegation from the two companies, introduced AVIC-INT’s new energy storage product. She explained that this technology could significantly benefit Uganda by reducing off-grid power bills through efficient power storage solutions.
During the discussions, Works Minister Gen. Katumba Wamala urged the companies involved in solar power storage to address concerns raised by Ugandans regarding the short lifespan of solar batteries. Meanwhile, Foreign Affairs Minister Gen. Jeje Odongo encouraged the companies to explore the new power generation potential of cassava, emphasizing its versatility in producing power as well as by products like starch, pharmaceuticals, alcohol, and wines.
