The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) has established a “diplomatic allies prosperity economic and trade office” to encourage local companies to invest in the nation’s allies, Minister of Foreign Affairs Lin Chia-lung (林佳龍) said in New Taipei City yesterday, as he also confirmed that the Kingdom of Eswatini has invited President William Lai (賴清德) to visit the country.
Lin made the remarks at the opening ceremony of the Eswatini Cultural Fair, organized by Leezen Co (里仁), which pledged NT$2 million (US$62,321) in funding to the ministry’s project to deepen Taiwan’s economic and trade cooperation with its allies.
The opening ceremony began with a traditional dance by Eswatini students in Taiwan, followed by a promotional video showing the southern African country’s natural and cultural features.
Photo: CNA
Talking about his visit to Eswatini in April last year, Lin said he was very impressed during the trip, including seeing the “Big Five” animals of Africa within two hours and its beautiful landscape, allowing him to truly understand why the country is often called the “Switzerland of Africa.”
This year marks the 58th anniversary of Eswatini’s independence, King Mswati III’s 58th birthday and his 40th year on the throne, as well as 58 years of diplomatic relations with Taiwan, Lin said, lauding the two nations’ long and strong friendship.
Aside from tourism, the exchanges between the two countries also extend to trade and investment, as well as the establishment of a Taiwan industrial innovation park, Lin said.
Photo: Yu Chao-fu, Taipei Times
Leezen has imported many fair-trade, organic and handmade products from Eswatini to Taiwan for the cultural fair, which are to be sold at its more than 135 shops across the nation, he said.
More than 1,400 Eswatini women have gained a job and income through microentrepreneurship programs, helping to empower them and improve gender equity, he said.
Inspired by Leezen and referencing the concept of the Central America Trade Office, the ministry has established a “diplomatic allies prosperity economic and trade office,” which is a public-private partnership to encourage Taiwanese companies to invest in the nation’s allies.
Twelve companies have joined the program, with each providing NT$2 million to jointly establish a trading company, Lin said.
Leezen president Lee Miao-ling (李妙玲) said she visited Eswatini in July last year and saw the local need for economic support, so the company organized the cultural fair to bring the country’s unique products, including animal-shaped candles, batik fabric accessories, handwoven baskets, chili sauce and marula body oil to Taiwanese consumers.
“We believe Taiwan’s social enterprises also have the ability to support and participate in international cooperation, allowing more people to get to know our close ally in Africa,” she said.
“This event is more than a marketplace, it is a celebration of friendship, partnership and shared values between the Kingdom of Eswatini and the Republic of China, Taiwan,” First Secretary for Information of the Embassy of the Kingdom of Eswatini in Taiwan Abbigail Pieterse said.
The fair gives Taiwanese consumers the opportunity to experience the kingdom’s high-quality products, which represent its culture, the people and their commitment to sustainable development, she said.
“This fair is a symbol of a strong cooperation between the Kingdom of Eswatini and the Republic of China, Taiwan. It demonstrates how economic collaboration can strengthen diplomatic ties and deepen people-to-people connection,” she said. “Let’s continue building bridges between our nations, through trade, cultural exchange and shared prosperity.”
The Eswatini products would be sold at Leezen’s shops nationwide until April 9.
The Eswatini Cultural Fair is co-organized by the International Cooperation and Development Fund, the Tse-Xin Organic Agriculture Foundation, and the Bliss and Wisdom Cultural and Educational Foundation, with advisory support by MOFA.
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