The Taiwan Pavilion at the 50th Eswatini International Trade Fair was opened by King Mswati III and new Ambassador Jeremy H. S. Liang, underscoring the strength of relations between the two nations after half a century of official ties.
Organized by Taiwan External Trade Development Council (TAITRA), the pavilion features seven businesses from Taiwan showcasing their latest wares at nine booths during the 11-day event running until Sept. 10 in Manzini, the Kingdom of Eswatini’s second-largest city.
The products include costume jewelry, food products, information and communication technology devices and light-emitting diode, or LED, fixtures. All are expected to generate great interest among visitors to the annual fair at Mavuso Trade Center in the landlocked nation in southern Africa.
One of the highlights of the pavilion is a special tasting zone offering a selection of Taiwan’s signature snacks like craft beer, pork jerky and pineapple cakes. According to TAITRA, the tasty temptations will open the eyes of consumers to a world of exciting food possibilities produced in Taiwan.
Liang, who presented his credentials to Mswati during a ceremony Aug. 30 at Lozitha Palace outside the capital Mbabane, said he was honored to take part in the pavilion’s ribbon-cutting ceremony alongside the king. “His majesty’s attendance illustrates the deep friendship between Taiwan and Eswatini.
“It also shows a sincere appreciation at the highest levels in the kingdom for Taiwan firms and their top-notch products.”
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, which sent a Taiwan business delegation to South Africa and Eswatini on an 11-day mission last month, said the government is committed to assisting local companies cultivate win-win opportunities across the continent.
This move is also in line with President Tsai Ing-wen’s goal of enhancing commercial and investment exchanges with Eswatini and neighboring countries following her state visit to the kingdom in April, the MOFA added.
Statistics from the Bureau of Foreign Trade under the Ministry of Economic Affairs show that bilateral trade with Eswatini hit US$7.6 million in 2017, up 15.95 percent year on year. Leading Taiwan exports include aquaculture products, electronics, electrical machinery, iron, plastics, rubber and steel. (SFC-E)
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