Uganda Invites Malaysians To Participate In Kampala Eco-Satellite City Project

KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 22 (Bernama) -- Uganda is looking to strengthen its relationship with Malaysia by inviting local contractors to participate in its real estate development, namely the Kampala Eco-Satellite City. Uganda Minister of State for Urban Development, Musumba Isaac said its government had agreed to offer 404.686 hectares forest in Mukono District, about 20 kilometres from Kampala City, for the development. "The purpose of my visit here is to strengthen the two countries' relationship in trade and investment, therefore, we invite Malaysia to participate in our real estate development. "We believe the stability and maturity provided by businesses here will help us in developing this township," he told a press conference at the halfday seminar on the project, organised by the Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE, the national trade promotion agency). Isaac said the Ugandan government had targeted to begin construction on the development within the next two years. MATRADE, in collaboration with Malaysian Inc, invited over 20 local developers, contractors and professional service providers to share their experience and expertise on successful mixed development projects in Malaysia that could be implemented in Uganda. MATRADE Chief Executive Officer, Dzulkifli Mahmud said Malaysia had a lot to offer to Uganda from products to services with cutting edge technology. "Participating in this development is important for us because the Malaysian government encourages the private sector to take the leading role to export services such as architecture and township planning. "This seminar is held to disseminate information on Malaysia's experience and expertise in mixed development projects, as well as, to inform local contractors on the opportunities they can explore in Uganda," he added. Meanwhile, Uganda High Commission Kuala Lumpur, Trade and Investment Advisor, Dr Zainul Azizan, said the government was eyeing a development similar to a mini Putrajaya. "The mixed development will include the building of schools, hospitals and government offices," he added. --BERNAMA