24^TH MAY 2024, DAR-ES-SALAAM DECLARATION:

2^ND EDITION OF UGANDA-TANZANIA BUSINESS FORUM

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1. Following the successful hosting of the 1^st edition of the Uganda-Tanzania Business Forum in Kampala in 2019, and cognizant of the need to continue strengthening the business linkages and bilateral relations between Uganda and Tanzania, the 2^nd edition of Uganda-Tanzania Business Forum was convened in Dar-es-salaam from 23^rd-24^th May 2024.

1. The participants applauded the Uganda High Commission in Dar-es Salaam and the Tanzania High Commission in Kampala for spearheading the convening of the 2^nd edition of the Business Forum and all participants in making this Business Forum a success.

1. The Rt. Hon. Kassim Majaliwa Majaliwa, Prime Minister of the United Republic of Tanzania (URT) was the Guest of Honor at the Business Forum. He stressed the need for the two countries to continue working on avenues that ensure free movement of goods and services between them and the region at large.

1. The Business Forum was attended by Hon. January Y. Makamba (MB), Minister of Foreign Affairs and East African Community of the United Republic of Tanzania, Hon. John Mulimba, Minister for Regional Cooperation and Hon. Monica Musenero, Minister of Science and Technology of the Republic of Uganda, Hon. Norah Bigirwa Nyendwoha, Member of Parliament and Chairperson Foreign Affairs Committee, and Hon. Fred Opolot, Member of Parliament and Deputy Chairperson Foreign Affairs Committee. The Forum was also attended by the High Commissioners of Uganda and Tanzania, Senior Government officials, the Vice Chair of Private Sector Foundation Uganda (PSFU), Ms Sarah Kagingo, the Chair of Tanzania Private Sector Foundation (TPSF) represented by Mr. Raphael Maganga, captains of industry and business executives.

1. The Ministers and private sector bodies expressed gratitude towards the strong support from H.E President Yoweri K. Museveni and H.E President, Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan on fostering strong bonds of bilateral relations, anchored on the historical ties, blood relations, fundamentals of Pan-Africanism and regional integration for the benefit of the people and growth of economies of the two countries and the region at large.

1. They recalled the cordial ties between Uganda and Tanzania, and expressed commitment and enthusiasm of both countries to jointly address the challenges of doing business in their respective countries.

1. The Ministers directed Government officials to undertake realistic and practical measures to facilitate trade and investment in both countries for sustained growth and development of both economies.

1. The Ministers emphasised the commitment of the respective countries in resolving all challenges affecting the ease of doing business in Uganda and Tanzania, and committed to the following:

1. Work within the respective institutions and bilateral frameworks to remove barriers to trade and fast-track operationalisation and implementation of the EAC Common Market and Customs Union Protocols to achieve quota-free trade.

1. Promote buy East Africa and build East Africa within the EAC Common Market Protocols to widen the market base and remove inefficiencies across borders.

1. Ensure competitiveness and collaboration in respect to comparative advantage to eliminate Non-Tariff Barriers.

1. Enhance value addition in commercial agriculture, manufacturing, energy and processing of minerals.

1. Strengthen trade and business linkages for favourable balance of trade between the two countries.

1. Continue engagements in various frameworks such as business forums with a view of resolving and eliminating trade barriers, identifying business opportunities, addressing challenges to trade and investment, and undertaking joint ventures and collaborations.

1. Tanzania Investment Centre and Tanzania Private Sector Foundation in partnership with Private Sector Foundation Uganda to conduct a trade and business mission of investors from Tanzania to Uganda before end of year 2024.

1. Take steps to wholesomely involve the private sector in trade policy preparations and policy coordination between the two countries, for appropriate policy formulation in both countries.

1. Ensure an inclusive agenda that provides for youth and women, and special interest groups.

1. Tanzania to consider the procurement of Kiira Motors electric buses.

1. Continue regular engagements under the framework of Joint Permanent Commissions (JPCs) to resolve all economic issues through involvement of all sectors, facilitated by the Ministries of Foreign Affairs of both countries. The next JPC to be hosted in the United Republic of Tanzania at a date to be communicated through diplomatic channels.

1. Continue identifying projects which have potential for mutual benefit to both countries, and jointly mobilise resources to undertake such projects.

1. Resolve the remaining issues of fifth freedom rights of Uganda Airlines on the Dar-es-Salaam-Zanzibar route.

1. Tanzania and Uganda to consider knowledge transfer and training in processing of minerals

1. The Uganda delegation commended the United Republic of Tanzania for hosting the 2^nd edition of the Uganda-Tanzania Business Forum, and expressed gratitude for the warm reception and hospitality accorded to them.

1. Both delegations expressed commitment for continued collaboration in fostering bilateral engagements for the mutual benefit of both countries and the region at large.

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