A BRADFORD figure has spoken of how an event was a “full-circle moment” for him.
Dr Manoj Joshi MBE DL organised the Bradford-Uganda Investment Promotion Event at the Midland Hotel.
It was attended by 90 guests from different sectors and communities, including business, commerce, industry, sport, the arts, media, tourism and more.
Dr. Joshi, the event convener, said, “The event was an outstanding success because we swiftly moved into economic and tourism activities, which were the main promotional objectives.
The event was held at the Midland Hotel (Image: Newsquest)
“It was a full-circle moment for me, bridging my roots in Uganda and history with Bradford, my home for over 40 years, which has given me so many opportunities to create value.”
Younis Chaudhry MBE, CEO of Regal Foods PLC, added: “I was pleasantly surprised to see the business potential in Uganda, and we are already in discussions to invest in dried fruit production, particularly pineapples and mangoes.
“It was reassuring to hear directly from the Permanent Secretary to the Treasury of Uganda.”
Ramathan Ggoobi, Permanent Secretary to the Treasury of Uganda, highlighted how Uganda’s National Development Plan aims to make the country a 500-billion-dollar economy by 2040.
Despite years of civil war, Uganda’s economy, which is rich in natural resources, enjoyed 6.1 per cent growth in 2024, up from 5.3 per cent the previous year.
Her Excellency Nimisha J Madhvani, Uganda’s High Commissioner to the UK, spoke of how Uganda is making it easier for international partners to engage with the country, for example visas being processed within two days of application.
Bradford figures from different sectors were in attendance at the event (Image: Newsquest)
The first delegation flew out to Uganda on May 18, including Nigel Wood CBE, chairman of the UK Rugby League Association.”
Mr Wood said: “We see sports as a powerful route for young people to excel and change their lives. I am delighted to be on the inaugural London Gatwick to Entebbe flight.”
The Very Revd Andrew Bowerman, Dean of Bradford, was in attendance at the event and added: “It was absolutely delightful to see so many of Bradford’s diverse businesses represented at the event. I would like to thank the Uganda High Commission for taking the leap to come to Bradford and co-host this event with Dr Manoj Joshi MBE DL.”
Guests heard about opportunities in Uganda (Image: Newsquest)
The Uganda High Commission delegation, making their first visit to Bradford, said: “We were delighted by how beautiful and green Bradford is, the rich history of City Hall and modernised pedestrianised spaces within the city centre, as well as the numerous golf clubs and recreational areas only a short drive away.
“We appreciated the diversity of different communities in Bradford and the spirit of entrepreneurship with so many successful self-made and family-run businesses. The Bradford curries lived up to their reputation as absolutely delicious, and the hospitality and shopping experience were truly heart-warming”.
