BY SIFISO NHLABATSI
MBABANE– Taiwan investors have committed to exploring major investment opportunities in Eswatini as the Kingdom seeks to accelerate industrialisation and attract high-value industries.
According to information shared by government, the commitment was made during a luncheon hosted in honour of Prime Minister Russell Mmiso Dlamini in Taipei where Taiwan’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Lin Chia-lung reaffirmed his country’s readiness to mobilise mega investments to support Eswatini’s development aspirations.
Minister Lin said Taiwan remained committed to strengthening its partnership with Eswatini by facilitating investments and sharing expertise in areas that could transform the Kingdom’s economy.
“Taiwan is proud to be one of Eswatini’s most trusted partners. We will strengthen collaboration in such areas as smart nuclear, smart agriculture, manufacturing and AI. We will further support the growth of smart cities across the Kingdom,” said Lin.
He added that Taiwan was prepared to share its technological expertise with Eswatini to advance cooperation in energy and other strategic sectors.
“Taiwan is happy to share its expertise to take our energy collaboration to new heights and Taiwan remains firmly committed to standing with Eswatini,” said the minister.
The luncheon brought together some of Taiwan’s leading business figures including Acer Inc. Founder and Honorary Chairperson Stan Shih who joined discussions on how Eswatini could unlock its economic potential through strategic investments.
The investors explored opportunities in sectors such as manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, high technology, renewable energy, smart agriculture, artificial intelligence and smart city development.
The discussions come as Eswatini prepares for the establishment of the Eswatini–Taiwan Industrial Innovation Park at Phocweni.
The project is expected to become a major driver of industrial growth through technology transfer, manufacturing, value addition and job creation.
The Prime Minister assured Taiwanese investors that Eswatini was ready to receive large-scale investments and highlighted the country’s strategic location and potential to serve as a gateway into the African market.
He said the Kingdom offered investors a stable environment and opportunities aligned with the country’s ambition to achieve developed status.
“We have a good partner in Taiwan. We must hold hands and work hard to achieve the goal that His Majesty has, which is to develop Eswatini into developed status,” said Dlamini.
The Prime Minister said Eswatini’s relationship with Taiwan presented unique opportunities for both countries.
“Eswatini presents an opportunity for Taiwan, being the only country with diplomatic ties with Taiwan in Africa. Therefore, Eswatini can be the gateway for Taiwan to seize the African market,” he said.
The Industrial Innovation Park is inspired by Taiwan’s successful innovation hubs and is expected to position Eswatini as a competitive production centre within the region.
Government believes the initiative will attract high-value industries, create employment opportunities and promote innovation while strengthening Eswatini’s role in regional and continental trade.
The investment engagements form part of Prime Minister Dlamini’s official visit to Taiwan where he is expected to visit high-tech and energy companies in Tainan and Taipei to explore further areas of cooperation.
The visit follows renewed efforts by both countries to deepen economic ties beyond diplomatic relations and translate their long-standing partnership into tangible development outcomes.
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(Courtesy Pic)
