IBF Members Breakfast meeting with UNBS Officials
Indian Business Forum Uganda, in a proactive move to enhance collaboration and address challenges faced by the Indian business community, organized a productive Breakfast Meeting with Uganda National Bureau of Standards (UNBS) officials on May 30th, 2023.
The meeting provided an opportunity for IBF members to directly engage with UNBS representatives and discuss the hurdles hindering the smooth operations of Indian businesses in Uganda. The primary aim was to foster open communication and identify areas for improvement, forging a stronger partnership between the private sector and the regulatory body.
As Uganda’s national standards organization, UNBS plays a crucial role in ensuring the quality and safety of products and services traded within the country. However, like any regulatory body, UNBS encounters unique challenges that can inadvertently impact Indian-origin businesses.
During the Breakfast Meeting, IBF members shared their experiences and concerns related to compliance, certification, and quality standards. The objective was to gain a comprehensive understanding of the challenges and collaboratively identify potential solutions through active engagement with UNBS officials.
A key area of discussion centered around streamlining the certification process. The Indian business community emphasized the need for a more efficient and transparent certification mechanism, which would expedite the entry of products into the Ugandan market and boost consumer confidence in the goods’ quality.
Additionally, participants highlighted the importance of clear and up-to-date information dissemination regarding standards and regulatory changes. Timely awareness of modifications in requirements can prevent misunderstandings and help businesses adapt their processes accordingly, saving time and resources.
Another crucial topic was the facilitation of capacity-building programs and training opportunities for Indian businesses. Empowering these enterprises with the necessary knowledge and skills enables them to proactively align with UNBS standards and procedures, ensuring smooth compliance with regulatory requirements.
The Breakfast Meeting concluded on a positive note, with both IBF members and UNBS officials expressing their commitment to working closely together to address the identified challenges. This meeting laid the foundation for a more collaborative and constructive relationship between the Indian business community and UNBS, fostering an environment conducive to trade and growth.
By nurturing a culture of open dialogue and partnership, Indian Business Forum Uganda and UNBS have taken a significant step towards bolstering the Indian business community’s confidence in Uganda’s regulatory landscape. As both parties continue to engage in proactive discussions and explore innovative solutions, the stage is set for a more streamlined, transparent, and efficient trade ecosystem.