BY LINDELWA MYENI
MBABANE – Eswatini is positioning itself for greater export growth and economic transformation through a National Trade Policy aimed at diversifying markets, promoting industrialisation and strengthening the competitiveness of local businesses.
The Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Trade held a validation workshop today to gather stakeholder input on the draft policy, bringing together representatives from Government, the private sector, civil society and development partners.
Officially opening the workshop, Under Secretary Phesheya Dube, representing the Principal Secretary, said the National Trade Policy would be key in shaping Eswatini’s economic transformation and strengthening its position within regional and global trade frameworks.
The policy seeks to broaden the country’s export base and markets while promoting value addition and deeper regional and continental integration.
It also places particular focus on supporting micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), women and youth entrepreneurs, who are regarded as important contributors to economic growth and job creation.
Among the policy’s priorities are improving trade facilitation, reducing non-tariff barriers and increasing access to finance for businesses.
The draft further identifies opportunities for growth in the services sector, including ICT, tourism, professional services, transport, business process outsourcing and creative industries.
The Ministry said the policy development process reflects a shared vision between Government and the private sector, with continued collaboration required to ensure that Eswatini takes advantage of emerging trade opportunities.
Stakeholders at the workshop were given an opportunity to scrutinise the draft policy and provide input to ensure that it responds to the country’s economic priorities, opportunities and challenges.
The Ministry will now refine the draft by incorporating stakeholder contributions before the final policy is completed.
The process is expected to strengthen the policy’s ability to support an inclusive and competitive trade environment while opening opportunities for businesses to access wider markets.
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