Eswatini and Taiwan have pledged to deepen their 58-year diplomatic relationship through strategic cooperation in energy security, industrial development, trade, and investment. The commitment was made during the 115th National Day celebration of the Republic of China (Taiwan) held at Happy Valley Hotel in Ezulwini.
Taiwan's Chargé d'Affaires Ching Lin Tsuei and His Majesty King Mswati III outlined plans to strengthen bilateral cooperation, with the king represented by Minister of Natural Resources and Energy Prince Lonkhokhela. The proposed Strategic Fuel Reserve and Taiwan Industrial Innovation Park were highlighted as key projects expected to strengthen energy security, attract investment, create employment, and support industrial development.
The Strategic Fuel Reserve is expected to be completed in 2028 and is intended to strengthen the country's energy security and resilience. Meanwhile, the Taiwan Industrial Innovation Park is expected to combine Taiwan's industrial expertise with Eswatini's development priorities to attract investment and technology, create jobs, and strengthen the industrial base.
His Majesty called on government and relevant institutions to work closely with their Taiwanese counterparts to ensure that the projects were implemented on schedule and to the required standards. The two countries also reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening trade and business relations following the signing of a Mutual Assistance Agreement on Customs Matters during Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te's state visit to Eswatini in May.
The agreement was witnessed by the king and President Lai alongside a Joint Communiqué reaffirming their friendship, mutual trust, shared values, and commitment to peace, stability, and sustainable prosperity. Tsuei also reflected on President Lai's state visit, which had been temporarily postponed in April following what Taiwan described as external political pressure.
Beyond infrastructure and industrial projects, the two countries highlighted cooperation in healthcare, entrepreneurship, food security, education, and information and communications technology. Tsuei said Taiwan's Medical Mission was now based at Manzini Government Hospital, bringing medical services closer to the population. Taiwan has also provided US$1.5 million for a revolving fund supporting women entrepreneurs.
The king said about 800 people had started or expanded their businesses through the fund, helping strengthen household incomes and communities. Education was also highlighted, with Tsuei announcing that 61 young people from Eswatini had received Taiwanese scholarships this year to pursue higher education in Taiwan.
Key points
- Eswatini and Taiwan have pledged to deepen their 58-year diplomatic relationship through strategic cooperation in energy security, industrial development, trade, and investment.
- The proposed Strategic Fuel Reserve and Taiwan Industrial Innovation Park were highlighted as key projects expected to strengthen energy security, attract investment, create employment, and support industrial development.
- Taiwan has also provided US$1.5 million for a revolving fund supporting women entrepreneurs, with about 800 people starting or expanding their businesses through the fund.
