Uganda seeks to boost local value addition through Canton Fair

KAMPALA, Nov. 9 (Xinhua) -- The Ugandan government has highlighted the importance of the China Import and Export Fair, also known as the Canton Fair, in promoting value addition to the country's agricultural and other products, saying it could help retain more export earnings and create jobs at home.

A statement issued by Uganda's Ministry of Foreign Affairs late Sunday, a few days after the conclusion of the fair, said Uganda's participation in the event was aimed at translating access to the Chinese market into increased local processing and packaging.

This would help ensure that a greater share of export earnings remained in Uganda, generating more jobs and improving incomes for farmers and cooperatives, the statement said.

Judyth Nsababera, head of Uganda's Consulate in Guangzhou, where the Canton Fair is held biannually, said the country was seeking to retain more value domestically rather than exporting raw materials and importing finished products.

"Our participation was more than exhibiting products. It was about value addition, value retention, and prosperity along the value chain, from farmer to buyer," Nsababera said in the statement.

Uganda had 10 exhibitors at this year's fair, including five coffee companies, two shea butter producers and three craft businesses, the statement said.