TIIP to drive job creation, industrial upgrading in Eswatini’ – Ambassador Liang

Taiwan’s Ambassador to Eswatini, His Excellency Jeremy Liang, underscored the transformative potential of the Taiwan Industrial Innovation Park (TIIP).

“Eswatini is our most important diplomatic ally in Africa,” he said, emphasising the deepening economic ties between the two countries. “The construction of the Taiwan Industrial Innovation Park is the most significant initiative we have undertaken together.

It will help Eswatini upgrade its industries, create jobs, and support Taiwanese businesses’ global expansion, achieving mutual benefit and win-win results.”

Ambassador Liang extended a warm welcome to the delegation led by Lo Ching-jung and expressed gratitude to Eswatini’s Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Trade and the Eswatini Investment Promotion Authority (EIPA) for organising the investment seminar.

He highlighted the rapid momentum behind the TIIP, noting that nearly 50 Taiwanese companies have shown strong interest in investing in Eswatini within just a few months.

“Eswatini offers numerous investment advantages,” Liang explained. “Competitive labour costs, good public security, political stability, and an impressive economic growth forecast of around 6 per cent over the next two years make it an attractive destination.

Furthermore, the new U.S. tariff policy places Eswatini at a base tariff of only 10 per cent, giving it a competitive edge over neighbouring countries when exporting to the U.S.”

The Ambassador also pointed out the strategic timing of the TIIP initiative, which followed the visit of Minister Lin Chia-lung, special envoy of Taiwan’s President Lai Ching-te, who met with His Majesty the King in April to discuss trade and economic cooperation.

“Minister Lin’s visit helped solidify important agreements, and the TIIP is a cornerstone project born from that dialogue,” Liang said.

Taiwanese companies visiting Eswatini represent a broad spectrum of industries, including textiles, plastics, cosmetics, auto parts, building materials, packaging, casting, office furniture, and banking.

Ambassador Liang emphasised that their investments will significantly contribute to Eswatini’s industrial diversification and upgrading.

He also praised Eswatini’s efforts to create a favourable investment environment, citing the establishment of the Business One-Stop Service (BOSS) office to streamline company registration and investor-friendly immigration policies.

To ensure reliable infrastructure, Eswatini has secured a 10-year power supply agreement with South Africa’s ESKOM, guaranteeing stable electricity for the next decade.

Looking ahead, Ambassador Liang revealed that the Taiwanese government is considering incentives to encourage companies to join the TIIP, boosting investor confidence further.

“With the strong determination and cooperation of both governments, I am confident we can build a high-quality industrial park that will become a benchmark in Southern Africa,” he stated.

He concluded by thanking the Eswatini government for its swift action in allocating 158 hectares near Matsapha for the TIIP and singled out Minister Khumalo for his personal dedication to the project.

“His presence at every investment seminar and direct engagement with business delegations clearly demonstrate the Kingdom’s commitment to this partnership,” Liang said.

“Together, we aim to make the TIIP a model industrial park that benefits the people of Eswatini and strengthens Taiwan-Eswatini relations.”