- Minister Lin pushes industrial park, smart cities and renewable energy cooperation
BY MBONGENI NDLELA
TAIPEI, TAIWAN – Taiwan has unveiled an ambitious programme to deepen investment and technological cooperation with Eswatini, targeting renewable energy, sovereign artificial intelligence, smart healthcare, agriculture, digital infrastructure and the development of modern smart cities across the Kingdom.
Taiwan’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Lin Chia-lung, announced the expanded cooperation agenda during a luncheon hosted in honour of Prime Minister Russell Mmiso Dlamini and his delegation in Taipei on Wednesday.
Minister Lin said Taiwan viewed Eswatini as one of its most trusted international partners and was prepared to use its technology, industrial experience and investment networks to support the Kingdom’s national development priorities.
“Taiwan is proud to be one of Eswatini’s most trusted partners. We will continue to promote collaboration in such areas as smart healthcare, smart agriculture, digital infrastructure and sovereign AI,” he said.
“We will further support the growth of smart cities across the Kingdom.”
The luncheon formed part of Prime Minister Dlamini’s official visit to Taiwan, where he delivered a keynote address at the 10th Ketagalan Forum on behalf of His Majesty King Mswati III.
Minister Lin said the Prime Minister’s participation in the international forum demonstrated the close and enduring diplomatic relationship between Eswatini and Taiwan.
He thanked Dlamini for accepting Taiwan’s invitation to address the forum, saying his contribution had added value to international discussions while strengthening the longstanding partnership between the two countries.
“It is a great pleasure to welcome you, Prime Minister Dlamini, and your esteemed delegation to Taiwan,” Lin said.
“Thank you for accepting our invitation to deliver a keynote address at the 10th Ketagalan Forum on behalf of King Mswati III. Your valuable contribution reflects the close and enduring partnership between Taiwan and Eswatini.”
Among the major economic projects discussed was the proposed Taiwan Industrial Innovation Park, which is expected to serve as a platform for attracting Taiwanese industries, technology companies and manufacturers to Eswatini.
Minister Lin said the project formed part of Taiwan President Lai Ching-te’s Diplomatic Allies Prosperity Project, an international development initiative designed to promote shared economic growth between Taiwan and its diplomatic partners.
He called for continued cooperation from the Eswatini Government in completing the necessary land transfer processes required for the industrial park.
Lin also highlighted the proposed Investment Migration Bill, saying progress on the legislation could help create an attractive environment for Taiwanese investors seeking opportunities in Eswatini.
“The Diplomatic Allies Prosperity Project was launched under the leadership of President Lai. This key foreign policy initiative aims to facilitate our joint efforts, such as the Taiwan Industrial Innovation Park,” he said.
“I seek your continued assistance in facilitating the necessary land transfer process for the park and advancing the Investment Migration Bill. These would play an instrumental role in attracting greater investment from Taiwan and strengthening our economic ties.”
The industrial park is expected to become an important pillar of Eswatini’s economic transformation efforts by opening opportunities for industrial development, technology transfer, job creation, skills development and export-oriented production.
Taiwan’s proposed expansion into artificial intelligence and digital infrastructure could also place Eswatini in a stronger position to modernise public services, strengthen data systems and support innovation among local businesses and young entrepreneurs.
The reference to sovereign AI signals Taiwan’s willingness to help Eswatini build artificial intelligence systems that respond to the Kingdom’s national priorities while allowing the country to exercise greater control over its data, infrastructure and technological development.
Energy security also featured prominently in the discussions, with Taiwan arranging tours of solar energy facilities for the Prime Minister and his delegation.
The visits are expected to expose the delegation to Taiwan’s renewable energy systems and identify models that could be adapted to support Eswatini’s efforts to improve domestic electricity generation.
“In consideration of Eswatini’s energy security needs, we have arranged tours of some of our solar energy facilities for your delegation,” Lin said.
“Taiwan is happy to share its expertise to take our energy cooperation to new heights.”
The proposed renewable energy collaboration could support Eswatini’s long-term efforts to reduce its dependence on imported electricity, increase energy security and create a more reliable power supply for households, industries and investors.
Minister Lin further expressed appreciation for the hospitality extended to President Lai during his State visit to Eswatini in May 2026.
He also recalled his own visit to the Kingdom in April as President Lai’s special envoy, during which he attended the Ruby Jubilee celebrations marking the 40th anniversary of His Majesty King Mswati III’s accession to the Throne and the inauguration of the International Convention Centre.
“Our sincere appreciation also goes to the people and Government of Eswatini for the warm hospitality extended to President Lai Ching-te during his State visit in May and to me during my trip as the President’s special envoy in April,” he said.
“It was an honour to attend the Ruby Jubilee celebration commemorating the 40th anniversary of King Mswati III’s accession, as well as the inauguration of the International Convention Centre.”
Minister Lin asked Prime Minister Dlamini to convey his warm regards to His Majesty King Mswati III and Her Majesty the Queen Mother, adding that Taiwan looked forward to hosting Their Majesties again in the future.
He said Taiwan remained committed to supporting Eswatini’s national development and encouraged the Government to communicate additional priority areas through the Taiwanese Embassy in the Kingdom.
“Should there be any additional areas in which Taiwan can contribute to Eswatini’s national development, please do not hesitate to convey your priorities through our embassy in Eswatini,” he said.
Lin also thanked Eswatini for consistently supporting Taiwan’s participation in international organisations and multilateral platforms.
He expressed hope that the Kingdom would continue using its voice internationally to advocate for Taiwan’s meaningful participation in global affairs.
“I would like to once again thank Prime Minister Dlamini and the Government of Eswatini for staunchly supporting Taiwan’s participation in international organisations and multilateral platforms,” he said.
“We sincerely hope that Eswatini will continue to speak up for Taiwan.”
Prime Minister Dlamini was accompanied by his wife, Madame Philile Dlamini; Minister of Natural Resources and Energy Prince Lonkhokhela; Minister of Economic Planning and Development Dr Thambo Gina; Minister of Labour and Social Security Phila Buthelezi; and other senior Government officials.
Minister Lin concluded the luncheon by proposing a toast to the health of the Prime Minister, Madame Dlamini and the distinguished guests, as well as to the continued friendship, peace and prosperity of Eswatini and Taiwan.
