MBABANE – The E6 billion Taiwan Industrial and Innovation Park (TIIP) is gathering pace, with Eswatini hosting a fourth high-level mission from Taiwan.
The mission is in the country to advance the landmark project aimed at transforming the country’s industrial landscape.
The latest delegation is in the country for engagements centred on accelerating the development of the technology-driven manufacturing hub earmarked for Phocweni, near the Royal Science and Technology Park (RSTP).
The TIIP, a joint initiative between Eswatini and Taiwan, is expected to play a pivotal role in reshaping the country’s economic trajectory by driving industrialisation, fostering innovation and creating an estimated 10 000 jobs.
Speaking during the Taiwan-Eswatini Business Seminar held at Mountain View International Hotel in Mbabane, Minister for Commerce, Industry and Trade Manqoba Khumalo – represented by Principal Secretary Ambassador Melusi Masuku – said the increasing frequency of Taiwanese missions reflected growing investor confidence in the project.
“We have witnessed a growing interest by Taiwanese companies to invest in Eswatini ever since the two countries launched the Taiwan Industrial and Innovation Park (TIIP),” said Masuku on behalf of the minister.
“The park is a critical milestone aimed at benefitting both our countries. This is the fourth mission we have received since the park was announced.”
He noted that engagements between the two countries had already moved beyond conceptual discussions, with technical groundwork gaining traction.
“We have already had various interactions, including a visit to the site with key technical teams from CECI that visited Eswatini for meetings with our teams on the ground. We believe that so far there is good interest from both sides,” he said.
The Council for Economic Planning and Development (CECI) technical teams have been working closely with local counterparts to assess feasibility, infrastructure requirements and implementation strategies for the park.
Masuku described the project as a significant addition to the long-standing diplomatic and economic ties between Eswatini and Taiwan, relations that have steadily deepened over the years.
“Such developments are a seasoning to our relationship that has grown from strength to strength over the years,” he said.
He emphasised that government was keen to see Taiwanese investment expand beyond traditional sectors into more advanced, high-value industries, which the TIIP is specifically designed to accommodate.
“We have clearly indicated our desire to see diversification of Taiwan companies into new non-traditional sectors, which will be made possible by the TIIP,” he added.
The industrial park is expected to attract investment in key sectors such as green technology, electronics manufacturing, pharmaceuticals and artificial intelligence – industries seen as critical to building a resilient and future-ready economy.
Masuku commended the Government of Taiwan for its continued commitment to Eswatini’s development agenda, noting that the partnership had opened up new opportunities across multiple sectors.
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(L-R) Principal Secretary in the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Trade Ambassador Melusi Masuku. Minister Ching-lin Tsuei from the Embassy of the Republic of China (Taiwan) in Eswatini. EIPA Manager for Investment Promotion, Machawe Tfwala.