REFLECTION: THE CANADA NRM CHAPTER SYMPOSIUM WAS COMPLETE SUCCESS
Most importantly, there is a need for improved policies in Diaspora banking, ensuring easier access to financial services for Ugandans living overseas and thus fostering economic stability and investment.
By Our Reporter
TORONTO: Held at the Woodbine Banquet and Convention Hotel and Suites, Toronto City, the 2nd Canada NRM Chapter Symposium enabled interactions with business people interested in investing back home in order to create employment, transfer technology and entrepreneurial ideas, and boost reinvestment in Uganda’s economy.
Attendees emphasized the need for increased trade, tourism, and investment opportunities between Uganda and Canada. This is against the backdrop of a Diaspora Resource Pool, where diasporas can gather money and skills to invest back home in a bid to create employment opportunities for Ugandans, both within Uganda and abroad, to drive economic growth and empower the local workforce.
Also suggested was the creation of a comprehensive database of skilled individuals in the Diaspora. This would enable the government to tap into their expertise and contribute to critical sectors such as oil and gas, science and technology, and healthcare, among others.
Most importantly, there is a need for improved policies in Diaspora banking, ensuring easier access to financial services for Ugandans living overseas and thus fostering economic stability and investment.
The second edition of the Canada NRM Chapter Symposium also facilitated numerous agreements, partnerships, and fruitful engagements between businesses, resulting in successful trade, investment, and knowledge exchange deals.
This positive outcome underscores the commitment of both countries to foster economic growth, collaboration, and mutually beneficial partnerships.
The event was a platform for private sector, government, domestic, and foreign business players to share their experiences, create new markets, and identify business investment opportunities between Uganda and Canada.
The symposium will also go a long way in bridging the cultural gap, giving Uganda an opportunity to market its beauty, heritage, and economic potential as a leading tourism destination in Africa.
By promoting and preserving cultural identity, doing community engagement, and understanding the role of cultural events or initiatives in strengthening ties between Uganda and the Diaspora.
Notably, the symposium discussed initiatives and plans to support education and skills development among Ugandan students and professionals in Canada in a bid to foster knowledge transfer and capacity building.
On the sidelines, the Ugandan community in Canada interfaced with relevant authorities on streamlining processes of land acquisition, document attestation, passport renewal, national IDs, and birth registration for Ugandans abroad, facilitating smoother processes and ensuring their rights and recognition as citizens.
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