Izhevsk, Russia – Uganda’s Ambassador to the Russian Federation, His Excellency Moses Kawaaluuko Kizige, Friday September 20, 2024, delivered a compelling keynote speech at the opening ceremony of the International Trade Fair held in Izhevsk City, the capital of the Udmurt Republic. The event, which took place in the hometown of Mikhail Timofeyevich Kalashnikov, the inventor of the iconic AK-47 rifle, attracted companies from Russia, Belarus, Uzbekistan, Iran, Turkey, India, China, Brazil, and South Africa.
Ambassador Kizige, as the honored guest speaker, underscored Uganda’s growing importance as a trade partner on the international stage, highlighting its strategic position in East Africa and its vast potential in sectors such as agriculture, tourism, and energy. He called on participating countries to explore business opportunities in Uganda, emphasizing the country’s commitment to building strong partnerships in trade and investment.
“This fair provides a great opportunity for Uganda and other nations to showcase their industrial capabilities and foster new economic partnerships. Uganda is open for business and is committed to strengthening our trade ties with the Russian Federation and beyond,” Ambassador Kizige remarked.
He also took time to acknowledge the historical significance of Izhevsk as the birthplace of Mikhail Kalashnikov, whose invention has left an indelible mark on global military history. Kizige’s speech resonated with the audience, as he linked Uganda’s rich history and its potential for future collaborations with countries represented at the trade fair.
The trade fair, featuring exhibitors from a wide range of industries including manufacturing, technology, and agriculture, provided a platform for countries like Uganda to network and build mutually beneficial partnerships with other global economies.
Kizige’s address was well received, with many companies expressing interest in exploring Uganda as a potential destination for investment and trade expansion.