On 26 November 2025, at the InterContinental Hotel, Bangkok, H.E. Mrs. Urasa Mongkolnavin, Director-General of the Department of South Asian, Middle East and African Affairs, on behalf of the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Thailand, attended the launch ceremony of “The Pearl of Africa – Uganda Business Forum & Expo – Thailand Chapter”, held for the first time in Thailand under the theme “Unlocking Uganda’s Business Potential.” Organised by the Embassy of the Republic of Uganda, the event was presided over by H.E. Mr. Frederick Ngobi Gume, Minister of State for Trade, Industry, and Cooperatives of the Republic of Uganda, who flew from Kampala for this event.

In her opening remarks, the Director-General highlighted the longstanding diplomatic relations between Thailand and Uganda, and commended the growing cooperation between the two countries through trade, investment, and people-to-people contact with tourism promotion. These efforts are aligned with the Thailand–Africa Initiative policy, which aims at deepening relations between Thailand and Africa.

The event featured panel discussions on trade and investment opportunities in Uganda, a press conference, and business matching activities between the two countries. Key sectors were identified for potential investment cooperation, including agricultural machinery, tourism, oil and natural gas, mining, science, technology and innovation, and information technology. The event drew strong participation from relevant government and private agencies of both sides, i.e., Thailand Board of Investment, Thai Chamber of Commerce, Federation of Thai Industries,  Uganda National Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Uganda Development Corporation, and the Thai media.

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