Top officials at the Ministry of Trade led by the Minister of Trade, Industry and Cooperatives, Hon. Francis Mwebesa (4th right), the Executive Director of UFZA (1st Left), the Country Representative of GGGI (3rd right) and other officials at the launch of the guidelines for the development of Uganda’s industrial parks and Free Zones on 23rd May 2024 at Mestil Hotel Kampala
The overall objective of the Guidelines is to contribute to the operationalization of the Industrial Policy,2020, the third National Development Plan (2020/21-2024/25) and Vision 2040, as far as establishment of Industrial Parks and Free Zones is concerned. This is a milestone that lays a foundation for low-carbon economic growth for Uganda.
Hon. Francis Mwebesa, the Minister of Trade, emphasized the essential role of the new guidelines in guaranteeing the quality and functionality of Industrial Parks and Free Zones. He underlined that these guidelines are not only rooted in international best practices but are also tailored to meet Uganda’s specific needs and aspirations.
The Executive Director, UFZA, Mr. Hex Kimoomi Alinda delivered his remarks saying the following:
“My team and I at Uganda Free Zones Authority are pleased to have been part of the development of these Guidelines and we are grateful to the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Cooperatives, The European Union Delegation to Uganda and the Global Green Growth Institute for the support rendered to this effort.
Free Zones/ Special economic Zones (SEZ) are effective instruments to advance industrialisation, Trade and structural transformation of any economy. The global best practices for SEZ development integrate solutions that address new and modern trends in low-carbon growth or green growth. This requires an awareness of potential environmental concerns, and a willingness to address them to create a low-carbon environmentally sustainable industrial zone operations.
The overarching objective of these guidelines is to address the environmental sustainability concerns of our industrialization trade and development. And this is well aligned to our Free Zones Operations. Sustainable consumption and production strategies are embedded within our operations and these guidelines will enhance and augment our efforts. Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) factors are increasingly driving the SEZ development agenda because of the realisation that global patient capital is leaning more towards fueling sustainable growth.
As Uganda Free Zones Authority, we welcome these guidelines and look forward to implementing them. We thank the Ministry, the EU and GGGI for putting a brick on Uganda’s journey to establishing Eco- Special Economic Zones and creating a path to sustainable development.”