
Prime Minister Russell Mmiso Dlamini says the country is working hard to ensure that it expands trade with Japan.
Speaking during the ongoing 2025 Japan Expo, the Premier noted that the country looks to increase exports of timber, jams, citrus, sugar, textiles & handicraft.
He said the country would make this possible by taking advantage of Japan’s Generalized System Preference (GSP) “We seek preferential access for “Made in Eswatini” products to grow the partnership equitably,” he stated.
The GSP provides benefits to developing countries by enabling qualified products to enter the markets of preference. This enables developing countries to increase export income, advance industrialization and promote economic development.
Current trade between Eswatini & Japan stands at E242 million and is heavily skewed towards Japanese imports.
In advancing Eswatini’s investment case, the PM disclosed that the country provides a strategic gateway towards several lucrative trading blocs.
“Eswatini is your gateway to SADC, COMESA, and the 1.4 billion people of the Africa Continental Free Trade Area (AfCTA).” He also highlighted a previous successful partnership between the two countries.
“The Ngwenya Iron Ore Mine once operated by Japanese firms symbolises our shared history. Today we seek to revive this partnership in new frontiers – AI, technology and mining innovation.”