Africa-Press – Eswatini. Companies from the Republic of Finland are looking into investing in Eswatini as they see the country as a strategic country to link up with their plants in South Africa.
This was said by the Finland Ambassador to Eswatini, Anna-Kaisa Heikkinen when presenting her letters of credence to the King on Thursday. The ambassador said both Eswatini and Finland have a lot in common, noting that they are both small in size. She said both countries are relatively young, independent states, noting that working together the two countries can achieve a lot to grow both countries. “I would like to note that some Finnish companies have been looking at Eswatini with certain interest.
All of our major companies have a presence in South Africa. Particular interest has been expressed towards the sector of energy reform, and the sustainable use of renewable energy sources. Finnish companies have a lot of expertise in this. However, it is also important for them to be able to operate in a predictable and transparent business and investment climate,” she said.
The Ambassador said her country has been transforming over the years and attributed the transformation into investing more in education and ensuring that everybody is on board. She said gender equality has also been a paramount part of their transformation.
The ambassador who was accompanied by the Honorary Consul Aleta Armstrong told the King that they also ensured consolidating strong institutions of democracy and governance. She said her 105 year old country led by President Sauli Niinistö has 5.5 million inhabitants and is a member of the European Union which she described as their extended family. She said despite that they do not have an embassy in Eswatini they are well represented by the EU member through the Embassy base in the capital city Mbabane.
“When talking about the multifaceted and wide-ranging support the EU is giving to Eswatini, it is important to remember that the EU means also us in Finland, among the 27 member States. The EU continues to support the development of Eswatini, and continues to encourage the Government of Eswatini to proceed in its topical dialogue with its citizens, civil society organizations, and political parties,” she said.
His Majesty King Mswati III in response said the companies are welcome to Eswatini as there are many opportunities available in a number of sectors. His Majesty said investors from Finland who are in the energy generation sector are most welcome as the country is looking at means of becoming self-sufficient in power generation. His Majesty said with the agreement with South Africa suppliers coming to an end in three years the country is looking at alternative means to producing energy. His Majesty was quick to say that Eswatini is looking at safe and clean means of energy production to curb the problem of air pollution.
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