In a move that promises to strengthen trade ties and enhance economic cooperation, Business Eswatini (BE) and Business Unity South Africa (BUSA) have signed a momentous cooperation agreement.
Business Eswatini (BE) has today formally entered into a cooperation agreement with Business Unity South Africa (BUSA). The signing ceremony of the MOU was conducted on the sidelines of the ongoing International Labour Conference (ILC) in Geneva under the full glare of several notable figures in Geneva.
The agreement was signed by E. Nathi Dlamini, the CEO of BE, and Cas Coovadia the CEO of BUSA. The signing of this landmark agreement marks the culmination of many months of discussions between the two organizations aimed at deepening the relationship between the two apex organizations whose countries both share a border and, most importantly, also share strong commerce and trade ties.
“South Africa is Eswatini’s main trading partner and there are credible plans afoot to encourage the footprint of Eswatini’s companies in South Africa. The two entities, therefore, believe that the time is now opportune to begin strengthening capacity and enhance our cooperation arrangements at an institutional level,” Dlamini said.
Dlamini further stated that their relationship with BUSA is an old one and stressed that it has now developed to the point that an official instrument be put in place to help bolster the relationship to the next level of growth.
He then opined that collaboration with partners across borders is necessary to seamlessly coordinate bilateral investment flows between the two countries, particularly as more members of BUSA have several subsidiaries here in Eswatini.
“With the MOU now in place, these investors can now get to enjoy the full spectrum of BE services, in-country,” he stated.
Adam Greene, from ILO’s Bureau of Employers Activity, and ILO’s Samuel Asfaha together with International Organization of Employers’ representative Amadou Sako, were all present to witness the signing.
Also, present on behalf of Eswatini were Bhekie Maziya – a member of BE Industrial Relations Committee, Mthunzi Shabangu – Labour Commissioner, Lomkhosi Magagula – CMAC CEO, and Bhekie Mamba – TUCOSWA President; all of whom appreciated the importance of the symbolism of this event by demonstrating a united front.
The ILO is very keen on tripartism and inclusive growth and development which explains why they lent their full institutional weight during the signing ceremony. The CEO heaped accolades on the ILO and in particular the IOE (International Organization of Employers), whom he attested to have been viable partners of BE for many years.