BY TANDZILE DLAMINI
EZULWINI – The Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Trade, in collaboration with the Eswatini Investment Promotion Authority and the Embassy of the Republic of China (Taiwan), hosted the Eswatini Economic Investment Seminar with the Taiwan Investment Delegation today, 30 July 2025, at Royal Villas in Ezulwini to promote trade and investment opportunities between the two countries.
The Honourable Minister of Commerce, Industry and Trade, Manqoba Khumalo, hailed the increasing interest of Taiwanese companies in Eswatini, noting that this was a result of consistent bilateral engagements and shared economic goals.
“Our engagements with the Taiwan public and private sectors have been robust over the years, and we are now witnessing the fruits of these efforts,” said the Minister. “We admire Taiwan for her strengths in technology, manufacturing, and innovation, which have not only driven regional growth but also shaped the global economy.”
The Minister also announced that the much-anticipated Taiwan Industrial Park will soon become a reality. To be built on 158 hectares of land in Phocweni, the industrial park is set to host investors from diverse sectors, further positioning Eswatini as a strategic hub in the region.
“These initiatives are complemented by our upcoming investment and trade policy review, designed to create a predictable and transparent business environment,” he added. “We are also excited to introduce permanent residence by investment and automatic work visas for qualifying investors.”
Taiwanese delegation head Madam May Liao, who delivered remarks on behalf of visiting business leaders, expressed confidence in Eswatini’s investment climate. “The African market is full of opportunities, and Eswatini, as Taiwan’s most important diplomatic ally in Africa, provides strategic access to Southern Africa and beyond,” she said.
She commended the swift progress made toward the industrial park project, recalling how Minister Khumalo had personally accompanied the Taiwanese delegation during their inspection of the proposed site.
“The efficiency and commitment shown by the Eswatini government is impressive. I am confident we will soon see concrete results,” she said.
The seminar brought together government officials, private sector players, and representatives from over 20 Taiwanese companies in sectors such as green energy, pharmaceuticals, textiles, multimedia, drone technology, and smart construction.
Eswatini and Taiwan have maintained a strong diplomatic and economic relationship, underpinned by shared values such as innovation, entrepreneurship, and open trade. The 2018 Economic Partnership Agreement continues to support growing trade between the two nations.
“Let us build a future of shared prosperity, innovation, and success,” Minister Khumalo concluded.
With growing investor confidence and a proactive policy environment, the Kingdom of Eswatini is positioning itself as a gateway for Taiwanese businesses seeking entry into African markets, unlocking new opportunities for economic growth and job creation.
