By Phiwa Sikhondze
The Eswatini Investment Promotion Authority (EIPA) has officially opened applications for local creatives to showcase their products at the prestigious Designed Giftionery Expo 2025 in Taipei, Taiwan.
Scheduled to take place from 17 to 20 April 2025, this annual event offers a platform for businesses in Eswatini’s creative industries to access international markets and establish key partnerships.
The deadline for applications is 5 February 2025, and interested traders can download the application form via this link: https://forms.gle/nJpyKgf71CsxsZaq7. Forms are also accessible on EIPA’s official website and its LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram pages.
Thandeka Dlamini, EIPA’s Manager of External Trade Promotion, emphasized the significance of this opportunity, saying, “Eswatini export-ready traders in the creative, gifting, stationery, handicraft, beauty, wellness, and other related industries are encouraged to apply. This event provides an exceptional opportunity to pitch and market products to a global audience while fostering potential partnerships with buyers and distributors.”
Participation costs for selected businesses will be subsidized by the Taiwan External Trade Development Council (TAITRA), with EIPA facilitating the process. EIPA will also provide logistical support, including booth setup, travel arrangements, and on-site assistance, ensuring a seamless experience for exhibitors.
The Economic Cooperation Agreement (ECA) between Eswatini and Taiwan continues to yield benefits for local exporters. As of January 2024, an additional 46 product lines were added to the list of items eligible for reduced tariffs when entering the Taiwanese market, bringing the total to 199 export-ready products.
Dlamini encouraged businesses to leverage this opportunity to expand their global footprint.
“We urge applicants to think creatively about diversifying their product offerings and conduct thorough market research on demand trends in Taiwan and the broader Asian market. This expo is a stepping stone for Eswatini businesses to gain exposure and grow their international presence,” she said.
The Designed Giftionery Expo is just one of three trade shows in Taiwan where Eswatini businesses will have the chance to exhibit in 2025. EIPA and TAITRA will also support local traders in attending the Taipei International Food Show (25–28 June) and the Kaohsiung Food Show (23–26 October), with application details for these events to be announced soon.
For more information or assistance with applications, businesses are encouraged to contact EIPA directly.