The second Taiwan-Eswatini Economic Cooperation Agreement Joint Committee meeting wrapped up Aug. 24, underscoring the shared commitment of the allies to expanding bilateral trade and investment.
Staged virtually from Taipei and Mbabane, the event was co-hosted by Minister of Economic Affairs Wang Mei-hua and Eswatini Minister of Commerce, Industry and Trade Manqoba Khumalo.
Wang said during her opening remarks that Taiwan and Eswatini have celebrated over 50 years of diplomatic relations. Since the ECA took effect in 2018, the two sides have fostered a closer economic and trade partnership, she added.
The government is leaving no stone unturned in exploring potential business opportunities for the two countries by organizing activities such as virtual business meetings and investment conferences, Wang said, adding that products from the African ally have been gaining public attention at food and giftionery shows staged in Taiwan.
In response, Khumalo commended the achievements of the ECA. As the economy bounces back in the post-pandemic era, the two sides are poised to further expand cooperation in trade promotion and e-commerce, he said.
According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, since the ECA became effective in 2018, two-way trade increased 136 percent from US$7.6 million in 2017 to US$17.96 million in 2021. During the same period, Taiwan’s exports to Eswatini grew from US$7.42 million to US$11.29 million, the ministry added. (DL-E)
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