The Head of Karelia met with the Ambassador of Uganda to Russia Moses Kawaaluuko Kizige
At the meeting, the parties discussed the areas of possible cooperation between the Russian region and the African country, in particular, the supply of Karelian lumber to Uganda.
On March 2, the Head of Karelia Artur Parfenchikov met with the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Uganda to Russia Moses Kawaaluuko Kizige. The delegation of this African state is on a visit to our republic.
As the head of the region noted, today Karelia pays special attention to the development of foreign economic relations. At the end of last year, the republic carried out trade with 100 countries. Turkey, China and India are among the largest partners.
For Karelia, Uganda can become one of the markets for the products of the forest industry.
- Today we are ready to offer more than 800 thousand cubic meters of high quality lumber, which we are prepared to export. We believe that the African market, including the Republic of Uganda, is also very promising for our products. In this regard, we intend to provide all necessary assistance to establish contacts between the business communities of Karelia and Uganda,” said Artur Parfenchikov.
The sphere of education, including student exchange and scientific research, can become a link for cooperation with the republic. Educational programs of Petrozavodsk State University will be offered to the youth of Uganda. Today, almost 600 foreign students study at the Karelian university with only 29 from Africa.
The Ambassador of Uganda to Russia Moses Kawaaluuko Kizige confirmed his interest in cooperation with Karelia. According to him, mining (Uganda is rich in minerals), as well as tourism, culture, fish farming can become the areas of joint work. The Ambassador invited the Karelian side to present the potential of the region during a business mission to the African Republic.
- It is important to note that our meeting is taking place on the eve of the second Russia - Africa summit and economic forum, which is scheduled to be held in July in St. Petersburg. I am sure that the events will give a new impetus to the development of international cooperation between the African countries and the regions of the Russian Federation in all areas of interaction, - said Artur Parfenchikov.
During the visit to Petrozavodsk, the Ugandan delegation will meet with the management of the Development Corporation of the Republic of Karelia, the Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Export Support Center of the Republic of Karelia Foundation. The guests will also visit PetrSU, the EFER Fire Robotics Engineering Center and OOO “Uyutny Dom”.
