Multilines International Limited, an East African Authorized Economic Operator (AEO), was invited the
esteemed attendees at the recent launch of the Mutual Recognition Agreement (MRA) between
China and Uganda. The event, held on June 1st, 2023, marked a significant milestone in strengthening
bilateral trade ties and facilitating smoother customs procedures between the two nations.
The event featured notable speakers, including Mr. James Malinzi, Assistant Commissioner Customs
Audit, URA. Malinzi highlighted the importance of the MRA, which was signed in May 2021, and its
impact on trade facilitation. He disclosed that Uganda currently boasts 118 AEOs, while China has
over 5,000 registered AEOs. Recognizing the significance of AEOs in streamlining trade, he announced
that importers will enjoy priority clearance for AEO companies, ensuring expeditious processing of
goods exported between the two countries.
Commissioner Customs at URA, Abel Kagumire, emphasized the crucial role AEOs play in Uganda’s
revenue collection, contributing a substantial 26% to URA’s overall revenue. Kagumire urged local
industries to add value to key export commodities such as timber, coffee, marble, and cocoa, enabling
the exportation of finished products. This value addition would enhance Uganda’s competitiveness in
international markets.
H.E. Ozhang Lizhong, Chinese Ambassador to Uganda, expressed optimism about the implementation
of the MRA, underscoring the exchange of lists between AEO companies in both nations. He
emphasized the tremendous advantages the MRA brings, including expedited customs clearance,
estimated to improve clearance speed by 60% compared to previous procedures. Additionally, the
MRA is expected to save 10% in logistics costs, leading to enhanced trade efficiency.
Highlighting the growth potential, Ambassador Lizhong revealed that bilateral trade volume between
China and Uganda rose by 6.6% in 2022, reaching a substantial $1.14 billion USD. Furthermore, he
acknowledged China’s recent decision to grant zero-tariff treatment for 98% of taxable items
imported from Uganda, further boosting Uganda’s export of value-added products to the Chinese
market. In line with promoting tourism and investment, discussions are underway for the
establishment of a new direct flight between Entebbe and Guangzhou, with hopes of actualization
within a month.
Rubagumya Patience, Acting Commissioner General of URA, emphasized the importance of utilizing
tax revenues for economic development rather than relying on external borrowing. To achieve this,
she stressed the need for closer cooperation between customs and domestic taxes to facilitate
seamless trade operations. Faster clearance of goods through the MRA would attract more business
and contribute to accelerated economic growth. Patience highlighted tourism, agriculture, oil, and gas
as priority sectors for government support, aiming to attract increased investment.
For Multilines International, the MRA is envisioned to create a ripple effect across various sectors in
the trading community particularly the oil and gas, tourism, and construction sectors
, leading to improved economic conditions in the community.

In a time of unprecedented global disruptions caused by the Covid-19 pandemic, conflicts, and climate change, the Tanzania Port Authority (TPA) has unveiled a strategic initiative that promises to reshape the trade landscape in the region. The recent announcement of a free 30-day storage period for Ugandan importers signifies not just a shift in logistics dynamics, but also a bold step towards fostering trade confidence and growth. This landmark decision, unveiled at the FIATA-RAME 2023 Logistics Conference in Kampala, Uganda, aims to pave the way for a new era of resilient trade relations.
Navigating the Trade Challenges
Tanzania’s efforts to attract Ugandan importers have faced challenges, including high transportation costs and geographical disparities. The allure of the Mombasa port, with its proximity and cost efficiency, has often overshadowed the Dar es Salaam port. The statistics from 2018 illustrate this point: transporting a container from Dar es Salaam to Kampala cost around $4,800, while the same journey from Mombasa cost $2,700.
TPA’s Vision: Bridging Gaps and Building Confidence
TPA’s strategic move holds the promise of reversing this narrative by fostering a conducive business environment. Dr. Jane Buberwa, an expert based in Dar es Salaam, stresses the pivotal role of customer-centric strategies in attracting traders. She asserts that providing better customer care can significantly contribute to Tanzania’s vision of expanding port capacity to 30 million tonnes by 2030.
“Better customer care can woo more freight forwarders, even considering the distance factor,” Dr. Buberwa affirms, underlining the transformative potential of exceptional service quality.
Strategic Incentives: Empowering Trade
Beyond rhetoric, TPA is backing its commitment with strategic initiatives. A dedicated Ugandan shed for consolidation and deconsolidation purposes, specifically for imports, is a tangible testament to this commitment. This facility operates around the clock, offering a consolidation center that caters to the requirements of stakeholders. Additionally, the 30-day storage period serves as a crucial asset, facilitating practical and realistic import planning.
Mr. Yesaya Masangya, Marketing Manager at TPA, underscores the significance of this storage period. He emphasizes that it aligns with the needs of traders while ensuring compliance with industry standards.
Building the Trade Ecosystem: A Collaborative Approach
Dr. Abdul Mkongwa, an economist from the University of Dar es Salaam, recognizes the far-reaching impact of empowering traders. By offering opportunities and demonstrating unwavering commitment, Tanzania’s ports can emerge as preferred choices. Dr. Mkongwa notes that traders communicate among themselves, and the positive reputation of the ports can drive increased utilization and engagement.
Multilines International Limited: A Potential Participant
As a prominent freight forwarder in the region, Multilines International Limited emerges as a potential key player in this transformative journey. With a comprehensive suite of logistics services encompassing air and sea freight, customs brokerage, warehousing, and distribution, Multilines is poised to support the anticipated surge in trade activity driven by TPA’s strategic initiatives.
In Conclusion: Charting a New Trade Landscape
TPA’s introduction of a free 30-day storage period for Ugandan importers signifies more than just a pragmatic incentive; it symbolizes a commitment to nurturing thriving trade relations. With a well-defined vision and support from potential stakeholders like Multilines International Limited, Tanzania stands poised to usher in a new era of dynamic regional trade.
As we witness this strategic evolution, Multilines International Limited remains dedicated to offering top-tier logistics solutions aligned with evolving trade demands. Delve into Multilines’ array of services, and embark on a journey towards seamless trade excellence.