southern African ally, Vice President Vincent Siew and his entourage concluded a four-day visit to the Kingdom of Swaziland Sept. 8.
Serving as President Ma Ying-jeou's special envoy, Siew attended the celebration of Swaziland's 40th anniversary of independence from Britain on Sept. 6, which coincided with the 40th birthday of King Mswati III as well as the 40th anniversary of the forging of diplomatic ties between the ROC and Swaziland. This was his first state visit since taking office May 20.
The "40/40" extravaganza in Swaziland was also attended by heads of state and special envoys from Botswana, Madagascar, Malawi, Mozambique, Tanzania, Rwanda, Uganda and Zimbabwe.
Upon arrival in Mbabane at the Matsapha International Airport Sept. 5, officials led by Absalom Themba Dlamini, prime minister of Swaziland, Taiwan expatriates and Swazis, greeted the ROC delegation. On behalf of President Ma and the people of Taiwan, Siew thanked Swaziland for its long-time support and friendship, while expressing hope that both countries will further strengthen cooperation in the areas of diplomacy, technology, medical and long-distance communications. The vice president also said he would encourage Taiwanese businessmen to invest in Swaziland.
In response, King Mswati III stressed that the African state will continue to support the ROC's participation in the United Nations and other international organizations, and to work hard toward enhancing the welfare of people of both nations.
During the delegation's stay, the group also inspected the ROC's technology and medical missions, which have introduced new crops and vegetables, as well as providing vocational training to local people since September 1969. Siew said he acknowledged the efforts made by the missions, but encouraged the staff to go the extra mile, making Swazis proud to tell the world that Taiwan is a true ally.
In order to help bridge the digital divide, the ROC's semiofficial International Cooperation and Development Fund set up an information and communications workshop in 2006 to offer training in computer and word processing. Up to now, around 800 trainees have graduated from the program.
Addressing a group of Taiwan businessmen and expatriate leaders in southern Africa on the evening of Sept. 6, the vice president said that while chatting with heads of state and special envoys sitting near him, he stressed the importance of investment provided by Taiwanese businessmen in the region.
High-ranking officials from Lesotho, Malawi and South Africa agreed with Siew's assessment and expressed their appreciation for the assistance made by Taiwan businessmen in the economic development of their respective nations and for generating employment opportunities.
Swaziland is one of Taiwan's most important trade partners in southern Africa. According to the Bureau of Foreign Trade under the Ministry of Economic Affairs, bilateral trade has increased nine-fold in recent years, from US$2.7 million in 2000 to US$23.23 million in 2005. Taiwanese investment in the African state, mostly centered on garment, machinery and paper box manufacturing, totaled approximately US$65.7 million near the end of 2006.
Write to Jean Yueh at yueh@mail.gio.gov.tw