Times Of Swaziland: KING CALLS FOR PRIVATE SECTOR DRIVEN ECONOMY

KING CALLS FOR PRIVATE SECTOR DRIVEN ECONOMY
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BY MFANUKHONA NKAMBULE on 02/09/2018 02:35:00


MANZINI – Eswatini continues to uphold free-market economic principles through
which the private sector takes a leading and active role in production, His
Majesty has said.
Speaking during the official opening of the Eswatini International Trade Fair
(EITF) yesterday, the King said government created a friendly business
environment while the private sector took the lead.
He said the country’s trade within the region and globally has been enhanced
by its membership to several trade agreements such as the SADC, SACU, COMESA,
Economic Cooperation Partnership with Taiwan, AGOA and EU-EPAS (Economic
Partnership Agreements).
He encouraged the business community to take advantage of these markets.
Ingwenyama urged the country to adhere to international quality standards in
order for the kingdom’s products to establish a niche on the global markets.
The King noted that these trade agreements were crucial in fostering economic
growth, particularly business.
His Majesty stated that the EITF, since inception, has served as a catalyst in
promoting trade in the domestic and external markets. He said government’s
participation at the Trade Fair has, in itself, provided an opportunity to offer
public services to the people, disseminate information about government
services, promote culture and governance structures.
His Majesty has listed milestones achieved in the 50 years as follows –
The initial years of the trade fair began with major focus on agriculture and
extended to other sectors, including manufacturing, financial services, retail
and recently information, communication and technology (ICT).
govt plans to expand existing facility
In three decades, the fair grew in leaps and bounds until 1998 when government
realised the need to expand the premises, hence the relocation to the present
site.
Subsequently, within a decade of operation in the new premises, the number of
exhibitors has increased, necessitating provision of marquees for additional
exhibition space. Therefore, government plans to expand existing facility in
order to create more space for exhibitors.