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LOZITHA - The diplomatic and economic relationship between the Kingdom of Eswatini and the Republic of China (Taiwan) has resulted in an impressive E13.05 billion investment in just three months.
This surge in investment follows the visit from Taiwan’s Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung towards the end of April 2025.
The latest developments in this partnership include:
- The launch of the model for the E5.2 billion Strategic Oil Reserve.
- An announcement by a Taiwanese business delegation of a E1.85 billion investment in various sectors, expected to create approximately 13 000 jobs.
- The unveiling of a E6 billion Industrial Park for Nokwane, Matsapha.
These investments are set to create thousands of much-needed job opportunities for emaSwati. Furthermore, an arrangement is in place that will see at least 1 000 citizens of Eswatini being recruited to work in Taiwan each year.
It is worth noting that there are currently about 22 Taiwanese companies operating in the country, employing over 30 000 emaSwati.
His Majesty King Mswati III, while unveiling the E6 billion Industrial Park to be constructed by Taiwanese businesses at Phocweni, expressed pleasure at the growing friendship and solidarity between the two countries.
The King stated that the friendship should leave a lasting legacy for future generations to preserve and maintain. He also noted that, unlike many other ministers who make empty promises, the Taiwanese Foreign minister kept his word and the current delegation is in the country to fulfill what was discussed during his recent visit.
In a significant move to boost economic collaboration, the King announced that Eswatini has set aside approximately 500 hectares of land for Taiwanese investors. This initiative is a testament to the strong alliance, as the King stated that Eswatini has never before allocated land to a foreign country. “We are giving them an opportunity to build Taiwan far away from Taiwan,” he said.
Full article available in our paper.
His Majesty King Mswati III addressing the Taiwan delegation during the banquet. (Pic: Sibusiso Zwane)