ENPING, China – A trade and export delegation from the Private Sector Foundation Uganda (PSFU) led by Odrek Rwabwogo, Chairman of the Presidential Advisory Committee on Exports and Industrial Development (PACEID), has successfully attracted investment interest from China’s largest integrated textile plant, Kamhing Textile Company.
During an inspection tour of the factory, Rwabwogo and his nine-person delegation, including Ambassador Kiema Kilonzo, Brenda Opus, Allan Mugisha, Joshua Akandwanaho, Enock Isingoma, and others, met with Kamhing’s owner, Mr. Tai Chin Wen, and General Manager, Mr. Dai Junwei. The Ugandan delegation showcased the country’s potential for cotton production and textile manufacturing, highlighting the government’s commitment to providing incentives for investors.
Kamhing Textile Company, listed on the Hong Kong stock exchange, processes 100 million kilograms of cotton annually and supplies top global retailers like Macy’s, Target, Walmart, Nike, and Adidas. The company has annual revenues of USD 600 million and employs 5,000 people. However, the company expressed concerns about investing in Africa, citing uncertainty about water supply, electricity stability, and overall safety and security.
Rwabwogo assured the company that Uganda offers a favorable business environment, with a young and educated labor force, affordable electricity at 5 cents per unit for manufacturers, and a growing cotton production sector. He also highlighted the country’s plans to begin oil production next year, which will lead to a thriving petrochemical industry, providing dyes for printing cotton fabrics.
Uganda’s per capita fabric consumption is 6 meters per annum, with a total consumption of 276 million square meters, presenting a significant opportunity for investment in the sector. The country aims to raise USD 6 billion in external earnings in the next five years through PACEID’s efforts to attract investment in key value chains.
The Kamhing Textile Company has expressed interest in investing in phases, pending guarantees from the Ugandan government. Rwabwogo and his delegation have assured the company of President Museveni’s commitment to offering fiscal and market protection to early investors in the sector.
During the visit, the delegation also met with Mr. Yang Qian, Senior Consultant at CN Light Technology Limited, who explained the dying processes and textile factory operations at Kam Hing. The delegation also toured the factory’s production facilities, which cover over 300 acres and handle integrated textile production, supplying Africa, Korea, Singapore, Vietnam, and many parts of Asia.
This development marks a significant milestone in PACEID’s efforts to promote Uganda’s export potential and attract foreign investment in key sectors like cotton and textiles.
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