Africa-Press – Eswatini. During a business forum attended by over 30 Taiwanese corporate leaders, Minister of Commerce, Industry and Trade Manqoba Khumalo laid out a compelling investment case for Eswatini.
The country, he said, is already home to over 21 Taiwanese companies that collectively employ more than 16,000 Emaswati across various sectors including textiles, packaging, mining, and manufacturing.
“Investment policies have been updated,” Khumalo told potential investors.
“We have launched a one-stop shop to reduce bureaucratic hurdles. An investment conference revealed nearly $2 billion in future investments, aiming for 12% economic growth by 2029.”
The event presented new prospects in agro-processing, renewable energy, and industrial development, while also reiterating Eswatini’s strategic geographic position as a trade gateway to the SADC region.
Air Routes on the Horizon as Eswatini Negotiates Direct Asia Link
Efforts to strengthen trade would be incomplete without connectivity. In that regard, Minister of Public Works and Transport Chief Ndlaluhlaza Ndwandwe, accompanied by the CEO of Royal Eswatini National Airways Corporation (RENAC), President Dlamini, held high-level talks with China Airlines.
The agenda was to establish direct passenger and cargo routes between Eswatini and Asia to ease business movement and facilitate market access for goods.
Business lunch hosted by Deputy Foreign Affairs Minister WU CHIHCHUNG.
“With the rise in trade between Eswatini and Taiwan, we must match that ambition with infrastructure that delivers,” said Ndwandwe. “Transport is the silent enabler of commerce.”
The move was hailed as it signals Eswatini’s intent to position itself not just as a recipient of investment, but as a logistics hub capable of serving wider regional markets.
Taiwan Assures Commitment To Promises Made To His Majesty
Throughout the mission, Taiwanese officials emphasized the importance of the relationship. Minister of Foreign Affairs
, Dr. Lin Chia-lung, assured the delegation that Taiwan remained committed to fulfilling the pledges made to His Majesty King Mswati III during his state visit earlier this year.
“In the spirit of Nkwe,” Minister Chia-lung said, “Taiwan will bring meaningful and sustainable business initiatives to the Kingdom of Eswatini.”
Both Ministers, Shakantu and Chia-lung acknowledged that economic diplomacy remains the cornerstone of the two countries’ relations
The Ministers committed to streamlining trade frameworks and fostering technical cooperation in areas such as vocational education, renewable energy, and agritech.
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