By Banele Magongo
MBABANE – Eswatini food and beverage companies have been given the opportunity by EIPA to participate in the Taipei International Food Show from 26 to 29 June 2024.
Based on a statement, the Eswatini Investment Promotion Authority (EIPA) has officially opened applications for local businesses to participate in this event, which will provide a valuable opportunity to showcase Eswatini products and connect with international buyers.
The Taipei International Food Show will take place in Taipei, the capital city of Taiwan, providing an excellent opportunity for Eswatini companies to make valuable connections and grow their businesses. With support from the EIPA, companies will be able to meet potential clients, distributors, and buyers from all over the world. This includes subsidies to cover the costs of transportation, accommodation, and marketing materials, making it easier for local companies to attend the show and make the most of the opportunity.
EIPA has partnered with the Taiwan External Trade Development Council (TAITRA) to help Eswatini businesses connect with the Taiwanese market. This partnership will provide opportunities for Eswatini-based businesses to attend trade shows in Taiwan, giving them the chance to connect with potential buyers and partners in the Taiwanese market. This is the second time that EIPA and TAITRA have collaborated on such an initiative, demonstrating the strong relationship between the two organisations and their shared commitment to facilitating trade and economic development.
Sibusiso Mnisi, Manager External Trade at EIPA said: “We are pleased to once again have the support of the Taiwan External Trade Development Council (TAITRA) as we prepare to select companies from Eswatini to exhibit their goods in Taiwan during the Taipei International Food Show.”
Mnisi said TAITRA provided support for 22 traders to be able to showcase their products to the Asian market and market themselves to prospective customers in Taiwan. This, according to Mnisi, is for three trade shows which will take place this year. These shows include Designed Giftionery in April 2024 (applications closed in mid-February), the Taipei International Food Show in June 2024 and the Kaohsiung Food Show in October 2024.
“Traders wishing to exhibit at the Kaohsiung Food Show in October 2024 will be invited to do so in mid-2024. This being said, the traders who are selected for the Taipei International Food Show, should be export ready and able to produce at an international standard in terms of the quality of their final product in line with the demands of an international market,” Mnisi said.
He added: “Those who want to apply can go directly to this link http://tinyurl.com/EIPAtradeapply for the application form by the deadline of 15 March 2024. We encourage those who are eligible to focus on positioning the unique selling point of their product range and to put forward goods which markets beyond our borders could easily adopt. Queries can be sent to trade@sipa.org.sz.”
The theme of the Taipei International Food Show in 2024 is Food for the Future; Food Safety & Sustainability. The show is one of Asia’s biggest food shows featuring fresh fruits & vegetables, preserved fruits & vegetables, poultry, seafood, meat & processed meat products, edible oils, dairy products, organic and vegetarian food, frozen prepared food, canned food, baked food, biscuits, wine & liquor, coffee & tea, juice & soft drinks, condiments & confectionery and ice cream.
