Background:
The annual Trade Facilitation Expos are organized by PSFU and started in 2006.  We have so far held 5 successful such events. The last one was held in July 2011 and brought together embassies, commercial trade facilitating agencies e.g URA,UIA, MTTI, UNBS and UEPB, EPA TAPPS,  importers and exporters and the general public.
Rationale for the Expo
Despite several exhibitions held, a large number of private sector organizations still lack information on Rules of origin, Customs procedures, Certification, the implication of the integration process ,business literacy and business skills development . To link providers of fast, user friendly and affordable facilitation services and information dissemination to Uganda’s exporters and importers, PSFU wishes to announce the 2011 Annual PSFU Trade Facilitation Expo.
Why trade facilitation?
Trade Facilitation refers to the improvement of the procedures and controls governing the movement of goods across national borders. This helps to reduce associated cost burdens and to maximize efficiency while safeguarding legitimate regulatory objectives. Trade facilitation involves a wide range of activities centered on lowering trade costs and quickening trade. Trade Facilitation includes the following; clearing, forwarding, freight, customs, courier, certification, standards, transport infrastructure, trade policy, information technology, information dissemination, trade insurance, trade finance, trade legal advice, anti-corruption services, money transfer, export promotion, safety and security, consumer protection, anti-smuggling and commercial efficiency at High Commissions and Embassies.
The trade facilitation expo brings together all actors in these fields and help the business community increase their presence in regional and international markets while consolidating local Market.
Objective

1. To provide trade facilitation services like; Trade Finance, Shipping and freight products and Communication products, Market opportunities in Uganda’s Major trading partners, Understanding trade arrangements, Customs arrangements/ requirements and many others to be able to expedite trade and business across borders.
2. To Engage Service Providers in Trade Facilitation and create awareness of modern, affordable trade facilitation services to enhance competitiveness.
3. Promote institutional dialogue, collaboration, coordination and networking between public and private sector stakeholders.
4. Strengthen trade promotion and advisory services among the private sector players
5. To enable the private sector seek for and get information on trade facilitating support that may exist at the missions and embassies of Uganda’s trade partners.

The expo exposes participants to;

1. Networking with public agencies that facilitate trade
2. Pre-arranged one-on-one meetings between suppliers and users of Trade Facilitation Services;
3. Publicity and awareness of the implications of the common market on Uganda businesses
4. Enhanced focus on MSMEs on the second day particularly those involved in export and import trade.
5. Business forums and clinics at which companies will talk about and promote their products
6. Business persons will be linked to new participating embassies
7. Break sessions for the business people to visit the stalls
8. A comprehensive events magazine covering all the activities done by the  exhibitors
9. Business forums and clinics at which companies will talk about and promote their products
10. More sensitization about the progress of the EAC Common Market, the FTA Tripartite and its implications to the private sector.

For further details concerning the International Trade Facilitation Expo 2011
Mr Moses Ogwal   Tel:  0772980184/   This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Ms Eve Ekanya Eve Ekanya on 0772864660/ This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Private Sector Foundation Uganda (PSFU),
Plot 43, Nakasero Hill Road
Tel:[+256] 0312 263850, 0312 261850, 0312 286849,
Fax[+ 256] 0312266440
P.O Box 7683 Kampala, Uganda, Email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it ,
website: www.psfuganda.org.ug