On May 14, the inaugural export of 104 tons of canned pineapples from Luweero, Uganda was flagged-off to Qingdao Customs of China, marking the latest achievement of China's zero-tariff policy in Uganda. Mr. Wang Jianxun, Counsellor of Chinese Embassy; Hon. Frank Tumwebaze, Minister of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries; Mr Leonard Zulu, United Nations Resident Coordinator in Uganda; Mr. Ezana Getahun Kassa, Food and Agriculture Organization Country Representative to Uganda, Representatives from Deshiburg Fruits International Co., Ltd., and local farmers attended the event.

Counsellor Wang congratulated Uganda on the new journey in bilateral agricultural trade with the inaugural export of processed pineapples to China. He stated that China and Uganda are close partners on the road to modernization, and the zero-tariff policy has significantly boosted bilateral trade. He emphasized that China will continue to expand its high-level opening-up and is willing to work hand in hand with Uganda to promote economic and social development, improve people's well-being, and create a new stage of win-win cooperation.

Minister Tumwebaze highly praised the traditional friendship between China and Uganda, and thank Chinese companies for supporting the locally value-added export of Uganda agricultural products. He emphasized the willingness to continuously diversify Ugandan products in China’s zero-tariff line, and promote the economic and trade cooperation to benefit the people of both nations.