By Bahle Gama
The Indian High Commission in Eswatini is encouraging the country to utilise the Trade Agreement between the two countries that was signed in 2002.
High Commissioner Nam Prasad said India is keen to increase its exports, not just in the crafts field, but many others as well.
This can also be done by Eswatini through an existing institutional mechanism which is the Trade Agreement between the government of India and Eswatini.
Speaking during a press conference on Eswatini’s participation at the 37th Surajkund International Mela Crafts Fair in India, Prasad said he was unsure how much the agreement has been utilised by the two countries.
“However, there were consultations in which the agreement was revealed. I, therefore, urge you all to utilize it to its fullest and its context,” he said.
He further requested the Ministry of Commerce, Industry, and Trade to go through the agreement and identify which opportunities can be explored from both investment areas in Eswatini and India.
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The High Commissioner said one of the provisions is the formation of a joint trade balance committee, which from the Indian side a request has been made to the Ministry of Commerce to propose members for the committee.
“We therefore request the Eswatini side to do the same, so they can both sit and decide on the future course of action in this regard,” Prasad said.
Meanwhile, Minister of Commerce, Industry, and Trade Manqoba Khumalo said the trade balance between the two countries is a very appropriate and necessary conversation to be had.
“We will look at this agreement, I like this idea you have floated of having a joint committee that will look at trade between the two countries and then crystalize the opportunities that exist, starting with handicrafts. Then moving on to bigger things and see how as a country we can facilitate that,” Khumalo said.
He further extended appreciation for the support rendered by the Indian government to Eswatini in different areas including crafts.
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He said through the Mela Crafts Fair, the Eswatini team had the opportunity to interact and collaborate with artisans from various countries.
Khumalo said the exchange of ideas, techniques, and experiences not only enriched their knowledge but also fostered a global understanding and appreciation for traditional crafts.
New friendships were forged transcending borders and uniting in a shared passion for preserving cultural heritage.
“Moreover, the participation of the Eswatini team in this esteemed fair further strengthened the bilateral relations between our two nations. It served as a testament to the enduring friendship and mutual respect between Eswatini and India,”
Khumalo added that the fair also became a platform for cultural diplomacy as Eswatini showcased the beauty and craftsmanship of the nation to the world.
