KAMPALA, Oct 21 - Uganda's Vice President Jessica Alupo has said China's decision to work with Africa to promote green development is in line with Uganda's development goals and is a key factor in her country's sustainable development.
Alupo said this in a speech read on her behalf by Rukia Nakadama, the third deputy prime minister of Uganda, on the occasion of the release of the 2023-2024 Economic, Social and Governance Report by China Communication Construction Company (CCCC) Uganda late Thursday evening.
Green development is one of the ten partnership measures that China announced at the recently concluded Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) Summit in Beijing.
Alupo said Uganda's President Yoweri Museveni has always emphasised government's commitment to ensure sustainable development by protecting the environment through responsible development efforts.
"We recognise that climate change is a real threat that we must face and we are pleased that the CCCC recognises this fact. As well as incorporating all environmental, social and governance principles into its aspects of work, this would ensure sustainable development," Alupo said.
It said that since 1996, CCCC Uganda has built more than 1 000 km of paved roads, creating local jobs and contributing to the country's development.
"These projects have brought significant economic and social benefits and have earned widespread recognition and praise from the government and residents alike. The company's work has contributed significantly to the economic development of Uganda," she said.
Zhang Lizhong, Chinese Ambassador to Uganda, said the report demonstrates the sense of social responsibility of the Chinese business community in supporting infrastructure construction and sustainable development in Uganda.
"We hope that both Chinese and Ugandan business entities could strengthen solidarity and cooperation to explore the great potential of practical cooperation in the spirit of green, low-carbon and sustainable development," Zhang said.
He said green development is a key area where China and Uganda can work together. He noted that China is ready to work with Uganda to implement the outcomes of the Beijing FOCAC Summit and to develop high quality cooperation under the Belt and Road Initiative for a Shared Future.
Li Yingjun, a representative of CCCC, said that the company also focuses on corporate social responsibility in its construction business. He said that over the years, CCCC has been involved in renovating schools and community roads and supporting orphans, among others.
Li added that the company contributes to local employment and local talent development, and cited the Seagull project, where Chinese engineers share skills and knowledge with their Ugandan trainees.
The newly released report highlights two key projects that CCCC Uganda has constructed through the environmentally sensitive area, namely the Masindi-Tangi Junction-Paraa project through Murchison Falls National Park and the Kampala-Entebbe expressway that runs through a vast wetland.
Xinhua/ gnews - RoZ
The Kingfisher oil field operated by China National Offshore Oil Corporation (CNOOC) in Kikuba, Uganda PHOTO - Xinhua/Patrick Onen
English 
Czech