MBABANE – Minister of Commerce, Industry and Trade Manqoba Khumalo has urged the 2020-2022 cohort of graduating students at the National Handcraft Training Centre (NHTC) to contribute to the economic development of the country. Minister Khumalo was speaking at the NHTC 2022 Graduation Ceremony where 117 students graduated.
According to Government’s official social media statement, Minister Khumalo remarked that the skills training that the students have obtained is one of the many initiatives by Government for youth to contribute to the economic development of the country through job creation than seeking employment opportunities.
Minister Khumalo remarked that through the Extension Services from the Handcraft Department, students will be assisted in formulating associations and cooperatives to pool their resources together to finance their business ideas.
“The Micro Small and Medium Enterprises, including the informal sector, have proven to be the back-bone of every country’s economy and as you graduate you will be joining others that are already on the ground hustling for their livelihoods. Particularly in times like these the country needs more entrepreneurs than before,” remarked Minister Khumalo.
He added that as a Ministry responsible for the commerce portfolio, they have put in place financial products to assist MSMEs for start-ups. These funds include guarantee schemes which can assist for collateral purposes as well as informal trader’s fund. The Ministry will ensure that such information is readily available to youth at constituencies through its extension services, revealed Minister Khumalo
The Minister also commended Taiwan and India for the continued support given to handcraft producers through the provision of capacity building and access to markets. “His Majesty’s government is truly grateful and forever indebted to you both,” Minister Khumalo said.
