KAMPALA- Bilateral relationships between Uganda and France have strengthened economically and are hinged on investment, trade and business with both parties.
To catalyze this farther, on Wednesday July 3, the wings were spread wide with the official launch of the French Chamber of Commerce Uganda (FCCU) that was held at the Ambassador’s residence in Nakasero.
The body is aimed at catapulting and fostering economic ties by leveraging on French companies doing business here at the same time Ugandan companies that intend to do trade in France.
Speaking at the breakfast launch, Jean Gavalda, President of the French Foreign Trade Advisory Committee in Uganda (CCEF) revealed that they started with 9 French companies in 2010 and now they have 40 companies and the beauty was that they have employed Ugandans.
“There are over 3,000 direct jobs and many indirect ones that have been created with a third occupied by women.
We are also the first private investors in the country and proud to have invested USD.1.6 billion as of 2023 with a projection of USD.4 billion in the next 3 years. With all this, we are bringing quality, technology, human capital in the various sectors that with our presence and are involved at the same time dedicated towards sustainability of economic, social and environment aspects”. Gavalda Added.
Thomas Pelletier, President, French Chamber Chamber of Commerce Uganda noted that they started as a business club ( Club d’Affaires de Kampala ) in 2017, survived Covid – 19 and now they have 63 members including Ugandan companies.
“We started with the aim of making business together and have small and big companies working together.
Gracefully, we grew well post COVID and it is time to transition to the next level. We presented our application and we are joining the International Network of Chamber of Commerce and Industry ( CCI) with a mission of bringing together, representing , coordinating the business network abroad and we are so happy to join them. ” Pelletier said.
The General Manager, FCCU, Happiness Daher- Ebhohon asserted that they are going to open an office location and they are to recruit local staff and shall do that for both in Uganda and France and just eager to serve the interest of their members, adding that they are working on very many events that are aimed at building this goal.
His Excellency Xavier Sticker, French Ambassador to Uganda applauded FCCU for the launch and great achievement as well as being a stepping stone for formidable milestones ahead in trade, business and investment.
He also stressed that it will create more exposure and opportunities for both Uganda and France and with this they are getting closer and more closer.
Additionally, the FCCU has some of the French companies wide spread in various sectors such as;
-Energy (Total Energies, Engine, Vallourec, SLB, Sagemcom, Rubis and many others.
– Infrastructure (Colas, Suez, Sogea Satom , Egis , GVA, Vinci Grand Projects)
– Logistics (AGL, CMA- CGM)
– Transport (CFAO Mobility, Zembo)
– Engineering (Cabinet Merlin, BRLI, IGN Fi, Artelia Group)
– Services and Communication ( Newrest , CIS, Bureau Veritas, Forvis Mazars , AGS, Olea International SOS, ABC Expat , Ipsos, Publicis )
– Agriculture (Louis Dreyfus, Touton, Class M)
– Distribution (Carrefour) and many others.
Statistical Figures showing Contribution to Uganda
– In 2023 Impact- Revenue (875 Million USD), Taxes (235 Million USD)
– Impact 2023 – Capex (1624 Million USD), Taxes (9 Million USD)
– Capex Next 3 years, Revenue (4225 Million USD), Taxes (67Million USD)
– National Direct Jobs (2940) , Capacity Building Trainings hours ( 46000hrs)
