… Relationship brought forth on international media spaces
BY PHUMELELE MKHONTA
MBABANE– Making waves!
The close relationship between the Kingdom of Eswatini and the Republic of China (Taiwan) is gaining more recognition as its relations are being discussed in different renowned international publications.
The allies started making headlines when Eswatini officials canvassed Taiwan to be part of United Nations summits, stating that they had a right to be recognised.
Currently, the relationship between Eswatini and Taiwan has been made more popular as Eswatini is now the only African ally – despite some countries switching their sides.
Highlighting the relationship were The Guardian, Aljazeera and other globally renowned media houses.
Recently, Eswatini Prime Minister His Excellency Cleopas Dlamini was in Taiwan, strengthening ties. In the country, he had talks and was hosted by Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen and the Minister of Foreign Affairs Joseph Wu.
A few months ago, we published that Taiwan investors came to Eswatini after His Majesty King Mswati III visited the country.
According to information sourced from Eswatini Government online platforms, the forum is a culmination of engagements between His Majesty King Mswati III, the President of Taiwan and Taiwan businesses during an investment seminar held in Taiwan in October 2022.
Minister of Commerce, Industry and Trade Manqoba Khumalo said both Eswatini and Taiwan had enjoyed a mutual economic relationship that had seen both nations benefiting from growing trade between our two countries with Eswatini currently exporting agricultural goods such as citrus fruits and many other products.
“The mutual relationship fosters for the further promotion of economic and trade exchanges to be beneficial to both sides, committed to creating the conditions that would boost bilateral economic and trade cooperation.”
The minister went on to say Eswatini’s growth potential was anchored around proximity to preferential markets and a modern governance system largely investor friendly and government priorities to the business environment and increase to private sector participation in economic activities.
“This forum came at the appropriate time when Eswatini has positioned herself to be an investment destination for global investors,” said Khumalo.
Minister of ICT Her Royal Highness Princess Sikhanyiso, who was represented, said they were honoured and grateful to Taiwan for the situational analysis that was set to embark tomorrow which was a stride towards operationalising the Eswatini Special Economic Zones. In October 2022, the state visit to Taiwan ignited the conversation on assisting the Kingdom of Eswatini.”
“The situational study by Export Processing Zones Authority (EPZA) could not have come at a better time; I applaud the institutions that will be partaking; and encourage them to contribute immensely. The study will show the linkages in the business ecosystem and that these institutions need to reinforce each other to champion the sector.”
Taiwan Ambassador to Eswatini His Excellency Jeremy Liang said the event highlighted the important role that Eswatini played in the regional and international markets. ”Not only is this event a signal that our bilateral and economic relation is thriving, but is also an assurance that our economy and business interactions are coming back to the right track in the post-COVID-19 era,” said Liang.
