Eswatini Daily News
By: Ntombi Mhlongo
His Majesty the King has said if Eswatini really wants to achieve her first-world status goal, it has to develop strong partnerships with countries and businesses that have achieved this goal.
He said Abu Dhabi and EMI Gate Holdings Company fit this profile perfectly. Abu Dhabi is one of the richest states in the world, deriving revenues from oil royalties and overseas investments, which have given it one of the world’s highest per capita incomes. Its reserves are estimated to be about one-tenth of the world’s total reserves.
The King was speaking at the conclusion of a business forum held at EMI Gate Holding’s company headquarters in Abu Dhabi during a presentation of the existing investment opportunities in Eswatini.
“We realize that in order to get there (first world status), we have to go to those who are already there. They have a lot of experience to share, so there is no need to reinvent the wheel,” said His Majesty. He said this was part of the reason they were in Abu Dhabi, which has achieved the goal before us and there is much to be learned by partnering with the government and the industries that have made the country what it is.
Making the presentation were Commerce, Trade, and Industry Minister Manqoba Khumalo, ICT Minister Princess Sikhanyiso, and Finance Minister Neal Rijkenberg, who also shared his personal experience as a businessman in the country. The forum culminated in the signing of a partnership between the government of Eswatini and the company, by way of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). The king said the signing of the MOU was an exciting moment for the country and would pave the way for the exchange and development of investment opportunities.
“We will give it all the necessary support that it deserves. If there is something that has not been catered for, we are ready to facilitate to ensure any hindrance is overcome,” he assured.
His Majesty further explained that the opportunities presented at the forum were just some of the numerous investment possibilities for investors in the kingdom. He vouched for skilled labour in the country with highly educated people who continue to develop themselves to meet the needs of technological advancement.
Pictures: @EswatiniGovern1
