LOZITHA – His Majesty King Mswati III has inaugurated a E6 billion Industrial Park, aiming to elevate the nation's economy.
The King has challenged businesses to achieve annual turnovers reaching billions of Emalangeni, setting the stage for industrial advancement in the kingdom.
He unveiled the E6 billion Taiwan Innovation Park, also known as the Industrial Park, on Wednesday evening, July 30, 2025, during a royal banquet he hosted at Mandvulo Hall for a 21-member Taiwanese delegation and their embassy in the Kingdom of Eswatini.
In unveiling the multibillion Emalangeni park, His Majesty emphasised that Eswatini is open for business and ready to welcome investors.
He said their gathering at the banquet marked a historic moment, following the visit of Taiwan’s Foreign Affairs Minister Lin Chia-lung, during which they launched the model of the E5.2 billion Strategic Oil Reserve, a partnership between Eswatini and Taiwan.
His Majesty acknowledged Taiwan's development over the years, even when facing difficult times and noted that the world does not treat Taiwan as it should.
However, he mentioned that the country advocates to the world that much can be learnt from Taiwan. The King then addressed the country's high unemployment rates, reiterating his Speech from the Throne, where he highlighted that this year is designated for transformation.
The launch of the Industrial Park, he said, is a testament to this vision, promising to transform the country and its citizens.
He expressed pleasure at the growing friendship and solidarity with Taiwan, emphasising a desire to leave a legacy for future generations.
The King said unlike many other ministers who make promises to visit, the Taiwanese Foreign Affairs minister kept his word, as the delegation is in the country to fulfil what was discussed during his recent visit.
The Monarch was informed that the project will be completed on time and within budget, emphasising that these were part of the aspects the country wishes to learn from Taiwan.
Construction is expected to take about 18 months to complete and His Majesty expressed satisfaction that the Industrial Park's design was presented swiftly.
Additionally, he conveyed his excitement upon learning that one company in Taiwan can record a turnover of billions of United States Dollars per year, an amount larger than the budget of some countries.
In this context, he reiterated Eswatini's goal of having companies that generate turnovers in the billions of Emalangeni. He further expressed happiness that the delegation has already met with local businesses for information-sharing purposes and urged the Taiwanese businesspeople to explore new investment areas, assuring them of government support.
“Our goal is to be an investment hub of Africa and we have many markets through which investors can benefit,” the King remarked.
He reiterated that there is peace and stability in the kingdom, allowing investors a safe environment in which to operate, adding that the country offers rich cultural experiences.
He concluded by reflecting on the teachings of forefathers, emphasising that blending tradition with modernity will yield a bright future.
