EU, ITC ENHANCES ESWATINI'S TRADE COMPETITIVENESS

EZULWINI – The European Union (EU) and the International Trade Centre (ITC), in collaboration with Government of Eswatini, are enhancing Eswatini’s trade competitiveness through the ePing platform.

This digital tool provides timely alerts on changes in international trade regulations, helping businesses and policymakers navigate Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) and Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) measures. Phytosanitary refer to measures for the control of plant diseases especially in agricultural crops.

As part of this effort, the EU and ITC recently hosted an ePing workshop that brought together key stakeholders, including regulatory bodies, government agencies, trade associations and businesses.

This initiative is a component of the broader ‘Eswatini: Promoting growth through competitive alliances’ programme, supported by the EU and implemented by ITC in partnership with the Eswatini Government.

Medium-sized

SPS measures and TBT often pose significant challenges for businesses, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), seeking access to international markets.

Developed by ITC, the World Trade Organisation (WTO) and the United Nations (UN), the ePing platform ensures transparency in trade regulations, allowing exporters to anticipate and address regulatory changes before they become obstacles.

“ePing enables Eswatini’s exporters to stay ahead of regulatory changes and maintain compliance with market standards,” said Vianney Lesaffre, ITC’s ePing Expert. “By registering on the platform, businesses can reduce trade costs, prevent costly rejections at foreign borders and improve their overall competitiveness.”

EU Programme Officer Luis Miguel Pascoal reaffirmed the EU’s commitment to fostering fair and transparent trade. “The EU is proud to support this initiative, which strengthens Eswatini’s ability to engage in international trade with confidence,” Pascoal stated.

“The ePing platform is more than a tool, it is a bridge connecting markets, ensuring compliance and enhancing competitiveness. With timely access to regulatory updates, businesses can make informed decisions, avoid disruptions  and fully leverage opportunities under trade agreements such as the EU-SADC Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA).”  

The Government of Eswatini, through the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Trade, has also underscored its dedication to strengthening trade regulations and empowering businesses with essential knowledge. “This workshop marked a significant step in Eswatini’s integration into regional and global markets,” said Cebile Nhlabatsi, Under Secretary in the Ministry of Commerce, Industry, and Trade.

Reinforcing

“By equipping stakeholders with tools like ePing, we are reinforcing our commitment to creating a trade environment that fosters economic growth.”

She further encouraged businesses to proactively engage with the platform: “I urge all businesses to register on ePing, explore its features, and stay compliant with evolving trade requirements. Doing so will not only reduce costs, but also position Eswatini as a competitive and reliable trading partner.”

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