Prime Minister Dr Ruhakana Rugunda and the Chinese Minister for State Forestry Administration, Mr. Zhang Jianlong with their delegations

The Prime Minister Dr Ruhakana Rugunda has applauded the existing cordial and mutually beneficial relationship between the People’s Republic of China and the Government of Uganda. Dr Rugunda said Uganda was happy to benefit from China’s expertise in environmental conservation and technology.

The Premier made the remarks while receiving the visiting Chinese Minister for State Forestry Administration, Mr. Zhang Jianlong who called on him at the Office of the Prime Minister on Thursday. The Chinese Minister was in the country to sign a memorandum of understanding (MOU) between the State Forestry Administration of the People’s Republic of China and Uganda’s Ministry of Water and Environment. The cooperation will enhance technology transfer, research and development, institutional capacity building and information sharing between the two countries.

China and Uganda will work together to promote afforestation, sustainable forestry management and development of the forest economy. The partnership will also focus on bamboo growing and boosting of community forestry. The Premier said Uganda was happy to embrace bamboo development which was critical in environmental conservation and income generation. Bamboo is one of the most important agricultural plants in the world with hundreds of uses. It is a source for construction materials, household items such as furniture and decorations, food, medicine and musical instruments among others.

The Chinese Minister welcomed the partnership and urged government to develop capacity in the forestry sector, adding that the private sector could be brought on board especially in bamboo development. He said China was ready to introduce new species of bamboo trees in the country. Almost every household in China has something made of bamboo such as beds, chairs, baskets and chopsticks.

The Meeting was also attended by the Minister of State for Environment, Flavia Munaaba Nabugere and the Chinese Ambassador to Uganda, Zhao Yali.

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