DAR ES SALAAM, Nov 25 (NNN-DAILYNEWS) — Uganda’s High Commissioner to Tanzania, Ambassador Col. (Rtd.) Fred Mwesigye, has emphasized that the Uganda-Tanzania partnership extends beyond infrastructure to foster private sector collaboration for sustainable growth.
He made these remarks in Dar es Salaam over the weekend at the Uganda-Tanzania Oil and Gas Networking Forum, themed ‘Driving Transformation in Uganda and Tanzania’s Energy Vision.’
“This forum reflects the shared commitment of Uganda and Tanzania to harness the potential of our oil and gas resources for the benefit of our people,” he stated.
He further emphasized, “Our partnership is not just about infrastructure; it’s about building private sector linkages, creating jobs, and ensuring sustainable development.”
The event, hosted by the High Commission of Uganda in Tanzania, gathered key stakeholders to enhance collaboration, share insights and explore opportunities in the oil and gas sector, focusing on regional integration and economic cooperation.
He noted that the Uganda-Tanzania partnership, underpinned by the East African Crude Oil Pipeline, represents a model for regional integration and mutual development.
He encouraged stakeholders to focus on knowledge-sharing and leveraging the opportunities arising from this strategic sector.
The High Commission is dedicated to establishing platforms that enable meaningful interaction between the private sector and key stakeholders within the oil and gas value chain.
These forums play a crucial role in promoting dialogue, cultivating partnerships and unlocking investment opportunities in both Uganda and Tanzania.
Tanzania’s Deputy Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Energy, Dr James Mataragio, emphasized the unwavering commitment of the leaders of Tanzania and Uganda to strengthening bilateral cooperation.
“The East African Crude Oil Pipeline is more than a project; it is a symbol of regional cooperation and a driver for economic growth.Under the stewardship of our leaders, Tanzania and Uganda have created an enabling environment for investment in the oil and gas sector,” he said.
Dr Mataragio said this partnership opens unprecedented opportunities for local and international investors to contribute to the development of the economies while creating jobs and building sustainable industries.
He also stressed the importance of sustainable practices and environmental stewardship in the sector.
A detailed presentation by the East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP) team provided participants with the latest updates on the project’s progress.
The EACOP team also outlined plans for the next phases, including enhanced environmental safeguards and expanded partnerships with regional stakeholders.
The Uganda-Tanzania Oil and Gas Networking Forum concluded with a call to action for all stakeholders to enhance regional cooperation and prioritise local capacity development. Participants left with a renewed commitment to leveraging the oil and gas sector as a catalyst for sustainable economic growth in East Africa. — NNN-DAILYNEWS