China and Uganda have for long enjoyed good trade relations although China is benefitting more as a number of her goods are coming into the country. The two countries through their customs administrations are now engaged in bilateral talks that if agreed they would open doors for more Ugandan products. “One of the issues that we have strongly discussed is the electronic exchange of certificates of origin. Our exporters to China have been having delays as a result of certificates of origin being manual the process. But we have agreed with China that we will start the process of making it automated and electronic so that our exporters can directly export their goods to China and Chinese Customs would have received certificates of origin from Uganda Revenue Authority. And so they can be able to clear their goods quickly.” Said, Dickson Kateshumbwa – Commissioner Customs, URA.
China said it has preferential treatment for a number of Ugandan goods entering its market but unfortunately according to Kateshumbwa, not so many Ugandans are taking advantage of the available trade benefit thus the need for sensitization. "And a lot of that information sometimes is not relayed, our people are not so much sensitized so we want to work together with China Customs and ourselves to get more of this information out to the public so that our people can take advantage of it. They export to China and their goods will be treated at a very low tariff."
Chinese Customs Authorities promised to share vital information concerning goods that are highly counterfeited. More bilateral talks were as well held with the U.S Customs department. "Well, I think my Customs perspective or trade perspective, what we can do is to make sure our export parcel are facilitating legitimate trade and making sure we are bringing the authorities that we have today to take care of those actors trying to use the system appropriately." Said, Ian Saunders – Dep Assistant Commissioner, U.S Customs. This was on the sidelines of the World Customs Organizations Authorized Economic Operators Conference going on here in Kampala.
