By Ntombi Mhlongo
Owners of aspirant companies in need of trading licences can breathe a sigh of relief.
This is because the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Trade has distanced itself from reports to the effect that businesses not affiliated with the Federation of Eswatini Business Community (FESBC) will not be issued trading licences.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, the ministry said obtaining trading licences do not depend on membership in any business association and is not a requirement by the ministry.
Minister Manqoba Khumalo assured aspirant companies that they will receive trading licences if they meet the criteria outlined in Section 7 of the Trading Licences Order No.20 of 1975.
FESBC is an employer Federation whose members and potential members are owners and operators of local businesses that are spread across all businesses sectors of the economy; the informal sector, micro, small and medium-sized enterprises are mainly dominated by
women, the youth, people living with disabilities and living with albinism operating businesses and within associations.
