By Ncaba Ntshakala
The Eswatini Investment Promotion Authority (EIPA) has announced the opening of applications for local businesses in the creative industry to participate in the upcoming Designed Giftionery Expo 2025, set to take place in Taipei, Taiwan.
The application deadline has been set for 5 February 2025, with the forms available for download online.
The expo, scheduled from 17 to 20 April 2025, presents a significant opportunity for Eswatini’s creative entrepreneurs to showcase their products to a global audience.
EIPA’s Manager of External Trade Promotion, Thandeka Dlamini, emphasized the importance of this initiative, stating, “We are pleased to announce the opening of applications to the Designed Giftionery Trade Show.
Eswatini export-ready traders operating in the creative, gifting, stationery, handicraft, beauty, and wellness industries are encouraged to apply through the provided link.
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” She further highlighted that the application link is conveniently accessible on the EIPA website and through their social media platforms, including LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram.
EIPA has assured participants that the costs associated with showcasing at the expo will be covered through a subsidy by the Taiwan External Trade Development Council (TAITRA), which will facilitate various aspects such as booth setup, travel arrangements, and on-site assistance.
This financial support aims to ease the burden on Eswatini’s entrepreneurs and allow them to focus on presenting their products effectively in the Asian market.
In an encouraging development for Eswatini exporters, 46 new product lines have been added to the list of items eligible for reduced tariffs under the Economic Cooperation Agreement (ECA) between Eswatini and Taiwan.
This addition increases the total number of eligible products to 199, providing local businesses with broader access to Taiwan’s lucrative market.
Dlamini highlighted the long-term goals of EIPA in promoting local businesses internationally, stating, “The objectives of inviting businesses to exhibit abroad is to give them an opportunity to pitch and market their products to the global market,
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with the goal of establishing partnerships, especially with buyers and distributors to increase exports into international markets.
” She noted that the expo will serve as a gateway for Eswatini businesses to gain exposure in Asia, opening doors to potential collaborations and expanding their reach beyond domestic borders.
EIPA is encouraging interested businesses to take advantage of this opportunity to diversify their product offerings and conduct market research on demand trends in Taiwan.
“We encourage businesses to explore creative ways of diversifying their product offerings for this market and to engage with us for any additional information they may require,” Dlamini concluded.
