MORE PRODUCTS FOR DUTY-FREE TAIWANESE MARKET

MBABANE - Following entry into force of the Taiwan-Eswatini Economic Cooperation Agreement (ECA) in December 2018, the Republic of China (Taiwan) has opened its market to an additional list of export products from the country.

These will enter the Taiwanese market duty free and quota free under the prevailing Agreement. This has been confirmed by Sizwe Ntshangase, who is Director - International Trade Department. The latter is from the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Trade. Products such as cane molasses and related products, which initially attracted a tariff of 18.5 per cent, will now enter the Taiwanese market duty free.

Furthermore, maize meal and other bed linen of silk or silk waste, which attracted 10 and 12.5 per cent duties respectively, will now enter free of duties. “In addition, marula fruits, nuts and associated products which had a 20 per cent duty will also be free from duties. Other products include alcoholic beverages and traditional African beer,” shared Ntshangase.

Request

This transpired during the first meeting of the Joint Committee on the ECA between the Republic of China (Taiwan) and the Kingdom of Eswatini held virtually last Wednesday. The request for further liberalisation on additional products was made on behalf of the Kingdom by the Eswatini Investment Promotion Authority (EIPA).

However, the Taiwanese delegation could not agree on full liberalisation for poultry and related products due to the fact that these were from sensitive sectors and thus viewed as sensitive products. Most of the Taiwanese businesses, especially Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), are plying their trade in these sectors hence the partial opening for Eswatini products.

Making his remarks before the commencement of the meeting, Minister of Commerce, Industry and Trade Senator Manqoba Khumalo said the signing of the ECA in 2018 was a milestone and a clear demonstration of the bond of cooperation, close and fraternal ties that happily exist between the two countries. Speaking during the same meeting, Taiwan Minister of Economic Affairs Mei-Hua Wang said Eswatini remained an important base for Taiwanese businesspeople interested in exploring the African market hence the importance of this economic partnership.

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