BY KING’S OFFICE CORRESPONDENTS
BELGRADE, SERBIA – His Majesty the King has invited Serbian businesses to invest in the Kingdom of Eswatini as it has positioned itself to become the Southern Africa manufacturing hub.
The King extended this invitation during a Business Round Table themed “Serbia-Eswatini: Innovation as Growth Accelerator” and a presentation on Expo 2027, which was also attended by Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić and its Chamber of Commerce and ministers from both countries.
His Majesty the King directed his special invitation to investors interested in doing business in Eswatini either through foreign direct investments or through sourcing some products made in the country.
“We have noted some sectors that are a priority to the African Continental market in which Serbian companies can take advantage of, based in Eswatini.
“These include the automotive cluster, pharmaceuticals and strategic value chains in the food and other industrial sectors,” His Majesty said.
The King acknowledged the presence of companies that are already engaged in business with Eswatini that have made the time to come and share their experiences at this business forum.
The King said taking advantage of the preferences and benefits from these markets would require companies to have a presence in the Kingdom of Eswatini by establishing production companies.
“We are pleased to report that early this year, we concluded our strategy to penetrate the African continental market. Our related institutions, such as the Eswatini Investment Promotion Authority (EIPA), will assist you in unpacking this enormous market potential,” he said.
The King said this seminar underscores the importance of fostering partnerships that would lead to economic growth and development for both Eswatini and Serbia.
“We value the relationship that has been established between the Republic of Serbia and the Kingdom of Eswatini, which is based on mutual trust and good faith and our visit here is testament to the need to strengthen our collaboration,” the King said.
He said enhanced trade is a crucial pillar in the growing relationships between the two countries, offering a unique opportunity for both nations to unlock greater economic potential.
The King said as they deepen their collaboration, the exchange of goods, services and investments is set to be a key driver of shared prosperity.
The King and Serbian President Vucic had also witnessed the signing of a Joint Permanent Commission between the two countries.
“The memoranda of understanding that have been signed are also leveraging our collaboration and we are looking forward to increased opportunities in trade, investments, ICT, tourism and other sectors between our countries.
“We are adamant that these agreements will be pursued by our respective technocrats to the mutual benefit of our nations,” the King said.
EIPA CEO Sibani Mngomezulu made a brief presentation of the investment opportunities presented by the country and the various global markets it accesses.
Mngomezulu in fact told His Majesty the King and President Vučić that Serbian business people would visit the Kingdom in April next year to scan the environment and explore the opportunities.
