Uganda has made a significant milestone in its trade relations with the Republic of Serbia.
From setting up the first ever Uganda Connect Trade Hub in Belgrade in July 2023 and the very first export container from Uganda to Yugoslavia/ Serbia since 1962.
Valued at USD 56,000, the container left Uganda on April 18thand was received at the Port of Nis in Serbia on July 9, 2024, with 20 metric tons of coffee; 1000kgs of roasted Robusta 80% and Arabica 20%, and 10200kgs green bean, banana flour, tea leaves, Uganda Waragi, Kakira Coffee Vodka, and promotional art crafts.
This was achieved with the instrumental help of Uganda’s Trade Representative to the Balkans, Mr. Bratislav Stoiljkovic, facilitated by the Presidential Advisory Committee on Exports and Industrial Development (PACEID).
After stress testing this export route, YUGO-VIC-smc Limited is already sourcing for more Ugandan products for the next consignment of 10 containers.
Serbia is an emerging market economy in the upper-middle income range but what makes it strategic is that it is a gateway to the eleven countries in the Balkan region (south Eastern Europe) with a combined GDP of 100 Billion Euros.