Taiwanese companies have invested over E4bn in SD
17/11/2014 03:00:00 By Ntokozo Nkambule
MINISTER of Commerce, Industry and Trade Gideon Dlamini says Swaziland is host to more than 20 Taiwanese companies that have invested more than E4 billion in the country, since the year 2000.
He said as a result, government wished to extend the number of Taiwanese investments in the country.
The minister was speaking during the Swaziland Taiwanese Business Seminar, held at Royal Swazi Sun hosted by the Swaziland Promotion Investment Authority (SIPA).
He said the Taiwanese had made a valuable contribution to a number of sectors in the country..
“Taiwan has contributed immensely in the development of the health sector in Swaziland, agricultural development through the technical mission based in Matsapha, contribution in the ICT industry by supporting the development of the biotechnology industry, Royal Science and Technology Park as well as skills development by providing a scholarship programme for Swazi students to study in leading universities in Taiwan,” he said.
The minister said Swaziland’s positive relationship with Taiwan, which has lasted for 45 years, was evidenced by the sectoral programmes and projects aimed at improving the country’s economy.
Dlamini said the Republic of China on Taiwan aimed at increasing competitiveness in Swaziland through various programmes.
He said the country would assist in the sharing of information, which is essential in the setting up of business in the country.
The minister said the country would assist them in the initial set up of their business ventures in Swaziland.
He said this would be achieved through the SIPA whose mandate was to promote investments and trade between Swaziland and other countries.
Dlamini said they would like to see more diversification, in terms of investments made by the Taiwanese in the country.
“We wish to increase the number of Taiwanese investments more particularly to untapped sectors, where Taiwanese companies already have competitive advantage such as the ICT, energy, agribusiness and a whole range of other sectors,” the minister said.
