By Bongiwe Dlamini

MBABANE:Mancoba Khumalo, the Minister of Commerce, Industry and Trade has welcomed the construction of the Taiwan Industrial Park in eSwatini, a project highly expected to create ten thousand(10000) jobs.

As reported by Government online platforms on Thursday, the Ministry of Commerce, Industry, and Trade, through the Eswatini Investment Promotion Authority (EIPA), partnered with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of China (Taiwan) to host a forum aimed at engaging Taiwanese investors. 

The primary goal was to attract prospective occupants for the Taiwanese Industrial Park to be built in Phocweni, Eswatini.

“Over 30 Taiwanese companies attended the forum, which was organized in collaboration with the Chinese International Economic Cooperation Association (CIECA).His Excellency Francois Chihchung Wu, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs in Taiwan, reiterated the Taiwanese government’s commitment to supporting Eswatini’s economic development. The Minister for Commerce and Industry, Manqoba Khumalo, emphasized Eswatinis readiness to host investors, indicating that the investment framework has been overhauled to reflect best practices in investment promotion and facilitation”, reads the online report in part. 

It has been reported that, the reform aims to ensure that Eswatini is on track to achieve an economic growth target of at least 12% as outlined in the government’s program of action.

“Minister Khumalo also welcomed the proposed construction of the Taiwanese Industrial Park in Phocweni, which will cover approximately 158 hectares adjacent to the Innovation Park. This initiative, supported by the Taiwanese government, is expected to create no fewer than 10,000 jobs. The Ambassador of Taiwan to Eswatini, His Excellency Jeremy Liang, encouraged Taiwanese companies to consider securing space in the park and highlighted the financial incentives offered by the Taiwanese government for investments in Eswatini.Other notable speakers included Martin Masilela, Executive Head of Investment at EIPA, who conveyed Eswatini’s comprehensive value proposition to investors, and Tzu-Chen Liao, CEO of the Dadu Industrial Innovation Foundation, who stressed the importance of Taiwanese companies expanding into global markets, particularly in Africa. Key attendees from the Eswatini delegation included Pholile Shakantu, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Chief Ndlaluhlaza, Minister for Public Works and Transport, and Chief Mgwagwa Gamedze, CEO in the King’s Office”, the report states.