UNCCI on 2nd to 3rd August 2010 hosted the Second IBF conference to evaluate what has been done and also approve the action plan. The Chairperson of the IBF and President of the Uganda National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (UNCCI) Mrs. Olive Z Kigongo gave opening remarks (speech) emphasizing on the importance of IBF in promoting trade within the region. She called for peace in the region in order to foster regional trade.
INTRODUCTION
The IGAD Business Forum (IBF) was first established in 2002 and re-launched in a conference convened in Kampala, Uganda on 4-5 may 2010. This is the second meeting of IBF and was attended by IGAD Member States’ national chambers of commerce and industry and Member States’ representatives from Ethiopia, Kenya, Somalia, Sudan, Uganda and IGAD Secretariat (list of participants is attached as Annex III).
OPENING
The meeting observed a minute of silence in honour of the victims of the terrorist attacks in Kampala on 11th July 2010.
The meeting was opened by Ambassador Julius Onen, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Trade, Industry and Tourism of the Republic of Uganda. Ambassador Onen stated that Uganda was honoured to host the 2nd IBF meeting and expressed his appreciation to the Uganda Chamber of Commerce and Industry for hosting once again the IBF meeting. He welcomed all to Uganda and encouraged them to visit and discover Kampala city and Uganda at large. He reiterated the importance of IBF in promoting regional trade and urged Members to pay their contributions in order to sustain the activities of IBF.
Ambassador Onen pointed out that the main goal of his Ministry was to promote trade and facilitate business in the region and beyond. He expressed readiness to work with the Uganda Chamber of Commerce and Industry in moving IBF forward. He further emphasised the need to promote Public-Private Partnerships. He wished all successful deliberations.
Mr. Joseph Rwanshote, Programme Manager, Trade Industry and Tourism delivered a message on behalf of IGAD Executive Secretary, Eng. Mahboub M. Maalim, who was not able to participate due to other commitment. In his Statement Eng. Mahboub welcomed the participants to the meeting and expressed the hope that they would conclude the three items from the agenda namely: Action Plan, Budget and Review in the Rules of Procedures. He added the meeting to insure that the honour their commitment to pay the agreed annual contribution of US$2,500.
Mrs. Olive Zaitun Kigongo, President of the Uganda Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and Chairperson of IBF, welcomed all to the meeting and stated that their coming to the second meeting was a clear sign of commitment to IBF. Mrs. Kigongo reiterated the important role IBF would play in promoting trade in the region. She called for peace in the region in order to foster regional trade.
