Let Us Use the Trade Fair to Show the Continent That We Are Ready For AfCFTA – King

His Majesty King Mswati III says this year’s Eswatini International Trade Fair (EITF) is the perfect opportunity for the country to showcase its unique products and services to the rest of the world in anticipation of the rolling out of the African Continental Free Trade Area Agreement.

His Majesty disclosed this when he officially opened the 2023 EITF at the Mavuso Centre on Saturday.

The AfCFTA is the world’s largest free trade area bringing together the 55 countries of the African Union (AU) and eight (8) Regional Economic Communities (RECs) to create a single market for the continent. The aim is to enable the free flow of goods and services across the continent and boost the trading position of Africa in the global market. 

The King encouraged local businesses to look beyond the country’s market as the AfCFTA presents a greater opportunity.

“Once the AfCFTA is in full swing it will enable countries on the African continent to be able to seamlessly trade with each other. As a result, it is important that we use the 2023 EITF as a platform to ensure that we show the world what we are capable of producing,” he noted.

The King further noted that it is pleasing to know that there are a number of countries that are attending the 2023 EITF. He said this is important because it will enable local entrepreneurs to forge business relationships with international companies.

Moreover, His Majesty observed that the tourism sector is benefitting immensely from the activities in the country.

Worth noting is that as it stands there are a number of activities that are currently taking place which include, the Umhlanga Reed Dance, the Swazi Rally, as well as the 2023 EITF.

“I have also been reliably informed that most hospitality places that provide accommodation are fully booked due to the ongoing activities in the country. This is an indication that as a country we must consider expanding and improving our hospitality sector, particularly adding more places that provide accommodation to international tourists.”

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