Africa-Press – Eswatini. Eswatini businesses with locally manufactured products have been presented with a major opportunity to access the Asian market following an invitation by the Eswatini Investment Promotion Authority (EIPA) to exhibit at the Designed Giftionery Expo 2026 in Taipei, Taiwan.
The prestigious trade show will take place from 16 to 19 April 2026 and is regarded as one of Asia’s leading exhibitions for gifting, stationery, lifestyle products, handicrafts, beauty and wellness items, as well as creative and value-added goods. The invitation forms part of EIPA’s broader efforts to strengthen export development and position Eswatini products competitively on the global stage.
The call for applications comes on the back of an intensive year of export-focused initiatives rolled out by EIPA in 2025. These included the introduction of an Export Guide, the launch of a structured 2026 Trade Show Calendar, export readiness training, trade map training, and the promotion of local businesses through storytelling. These initiatives were designed to equip local traders with the skills, knowledge and confidence needed to penetrate international markets.
Speaking on the opportunity, EIPA Executive Head for Trade Promotion, Sibusiso Mnisi, said the authority was pleased to invite export-ready Eswatini businesses to participate in the Taiwan exhibition.
“Following deliberate training interventions in export readiness and market intelligence, EIPA is confident that local businesses are better positioned to engage international buyers,” said Mnisi. “Designed Giftionery 2026 aligns well with the creative and value-added products produced by Eswatini traders and offers direct access to the Asian market.”
He explained that the exhibition would allow participating businesses to interact directly with buyers, distributors and retailers from across Asia, while also enabling them to study market trends and consumer preferences first-hand. This exposure, he said, is critical for businesses seeking to expand beyond traditional markets.
Designed Giftionery attracts thousands of international buyers annually and provides an ideal platform for showcasing innovation, craftsmanship and branding. For Eswatini businesses, the expo also offers an opportunity to leverage the Economic Cooperation Agreement between Eswatini and Taiwan, which allows duty-free access for 199 locally produced products into the Taiwanese market.
EIPA’s facilitation of local participation has been made possible through the support of the Taiwan External Trade Development Council (TAITRA). Through this partnership, selected Eswatini exhibitors will receive support covering flights, accommodation and exhibition space, significantly reducing the cost barriers associated with international trade shows.
Mnisi emphasised that participating businesses would be expected to meet international standards and approach the opportunity with professionalism.
“Exhibitors must ensure their products meet global market requirements, that pricing structures are export-ready, and that branding and packaging appeal to an international audience,” he said. “We encourage businesses to be innovative in how they position their brands and products.”
Applications to participate in Designed Giftionery Expo 2026 close on 12 February 2026. EIPA has encouraged interested businesses to apply early and take full advantage of this opportunity to showcase Eswatini’s creativity, quality and entrepreneurial potential on an international platform.
The initiative marks another positive step in EIPA’s ongoing mission to grow exports, diversify markets and create sustainable economic opportunities for Eswatini businesses.
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