By Tlalane Dlamini
In a decisive step toward deepening bilateral economic ties, Taiwan and Eswatini convened the Taiwan–Eswatini Investment Workshop at the Hilton Garden Inn, Mbabane, on November 11, 2025, bringing together senior government officials, investors, and business leaders from both nations.
The event, jointly organised by Taiwan’s visiting business delegation, the Africa Taiwanese Chambers of Commerce (ATCC), the Eswatini Investment Promotion Authority (EIPA), and Business Eswatini, served as a key platform for promoting investment opportunities and advancing cooperation under the Taiwan Industrial Innovation Park (TIIP) initiative.
Lo Ching-Jung, Head of the Taiwanese Delegation, reaffirmed Taiwan’s enduring commitment to Eswatini’s economic transformation and industrial advancement.
“His Majesty King Mswati III has articulated a clear vision for Eswatini’s economic diversification and growth,” said Ching-Jung. “Taiwan is proud to partner with Eswatini to identify promising industries, attract investment, and help build sustainable linkages that support job creation and industrial competitiveness.”
Royal Vision for Economic Partnership
Ching-Jung recalled the recent meeting between His Majesty King Mswati III and Taiwan’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dr. Lin Chia-Lung, held in April 2025, which laid the groundwork for enhanced cooperation. During that engagement, His Majesty requested Taiwan’s support in identifying priority sectors for development and attracting investment into industries that can uplift local livelihoods.
“Our mission here is a direct response to His Majesty’s call,” Ching-Jung emphasised. “This delegation, together with members of the African Taiwanese Chambers of Commerce, aims to explore investment prospects, review Eswatini’s incentives, and strengthen the roadmap for the Taiwan Industrial Innovation Park.”
Strong Fundamentals for Growth
Eswatini’s economic momentum continues to attract global interest. According to recent projections, the Kingdom’s GDP growth is expected to reach 6% in both 2025 and 2026, up from 3% in 2024 — driven by sustained investment from both the public and private sectors.
Ching-Jung commended Eswatini’s stable and secure environment, referencing the Numbeo Crime Index 2025, where Eswatini ranks among Africa’s safest nations. “A low crime rate and a strong rule of law are critical assets for investment,” he noted. “Investors value certainty and safety, and Eswatini provides both.”
The delegation also highlighted Eswatini’s youthful and capable workforce, competitive production costs, and favorable trade terms, including a reciprocal 10% tariff structure with the United States, positioning the country as an emerging hub for regional manufacturing and exports.
Taiwan Industrial Innovation Park: A Catalyst for Progress
A central focus of discussions was the Taiwan Industrial Innovation Park (TIIP), a flagship development project representing the next phase of Taiwan–Eswatini industrial collaboration. Modeled on Taiwan’s successful industrial park framework, TIIP is envisioned to foster innovation, technology transfer, and entrepreneurship in Eswatini.
Through TIIP, Taiwan aims to share its proven experience in industrial clustering and value chain integration — lessons that have propelled Taiwan into one of Asia’s leading innovation economies. “This project will help strengthen Eswatini’s manufacturing base and integrate it more fully into global supply networks,” said Ching-Jung.
Collaborative Effort and Shared Vision
The workshop featured detailed presentations by EIPA and Business Eswatini, outlining Eswatini’s investment incentives, strategic sectors, and infrastructure priorities. These exchanges opened doors for new partnerships across manufacturing, agro-processing, and technology sectors.