BY KING’S OFFICE CORRESPONDENTS
TAIPEI, TAIWAN – Escalating global geopolitical tensions affecting the petroleum industry have prompted His Majesty King Mswati III to urge Taiwan to expand Eswatini’s strategic fuel reserve capacity from 60 to 90 days.
Speaking during a dinner hosted in his honour by Taiwan Foreign Affairs Minister Lin Chia-lung, the Ingwenyama revealed that while the construction of the 60-day oil facility is currently running two months ahead of schedule, current global instability has demonstrated a pressing need to revert to the initial 90-day storage design.
His Majesty disclosed that he had formally raised the matter with Taiwan’s President, who indicated a willingness to reconsider the request to accommodate the additional 30-day capacity.
Beyond energy security, the King called upon the Taiwanese captains of industry to capitalize on the 500 hectares of land Eswatini has allocated for the Taiwan Innovation Park. He noted that setting up operations in Eswatini provides Taiwanese enterprises with a strategic footprint to access broader African markets through the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
“Eswatini is in a similar position to Taiwan as we do not have vast natural resources, making human capital our biggest investment,” the King remarked, reiterating Eswatini’s commitment to achieving its Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030. He expressed concern over Taiwan’s exclusion from the United Nations (UN) system, stating that shutting the nation out contradicts the global body’s pledge to leave no one behind.
In energy development, the King invited investments in clean energy, solar, and Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) to enable Eswatini to generate its own power and export surplus electricity to the Southern African Development Community (SADC) regional grid.
The Ingwenyama also called for an agreement with the Taiwanese government to formalise employment frameworks for emaSwati in sectors such as tourism, agriculture, healthcare and pharmaceuticals, allowing local professionals to gain vital international experience.
TAIWAN PLEDGES DEEPER ECONOMIC TIES AND STRATEGIC SUPPORT FOR ESWATINI
TAIPEI, TAIWAN – Highlighting more than half a century of diplomatic relations built on mutual trust, Taiwan’s Minister of Foreign Affairs welcomed King Mswati III to Taipei on his landmark 20th visit to the island nation.
The minister used the occasion to outline a comprehensive strategy aimed at transforming the “deep and abiding friendship” between the two nations into concrete economic opportunities.
A cornerstone of this renewed focus is the progress of the Taiwan Industrial Innovation Park (TIIP). Developed in conjunction with the Eswatini government, the park is designed as a vital platform for investment, industrial development, and job creation.
“Our aim is to attract Taiwanese companies in energy, pharmaceuticals, textiles, marula oil, food processing, and public construction to set up operations in Eswatini,” the Minister stated, noting that several potential investors were in attendance at the welcoming event.
Further reinforcing bilateral cooperation, the Minister prioritised energy partnership, revealing a long-term goal for Taiwan to help Eswatini expand its power-generation capacity to 100 megawatts. This initiative seeks to enhance Eswatini’s energy security and support its transition from an electricity importer to an exporter.
The relationship will also expand into several other crucial areas, including The Diplomatic Allies Prosperity Project, which will focus on smart agriculture, smart healthcare, sustainable tourism and reliable digital connectivity.
He reiterated Taiwan’s pledge to continue working closely with Eswatini to advance the building of the kingdom’s strategic oil reserves.
The Minister also extended deep gratitude to King Mswati III for his consistent support in the international community, particularly his repeat calls for the international community to back Taiwan’s meaningful participation in international organisations and correctly interpret UN General Assembly Resolution 2758.
He also assured the King that Taiwan will continue to stand with Eswatini as a reliable friend and development partner, before offering a traditional toast, Siyabonga, to the health of the royal family and the continued prosperity of the Kingdom.
The minister then introduced several business people from Taiwan to speak on the possibility of investing in Eswatini, while some members of the local delegation including Commerce Industry and Trade Minister Manqoba Khumalo, spoke of the various incentives and opportunities available in Eswatini.
(Courtesy Pics)
