President Chen Shui-bian on December 4 at the Presidential Office met with a delegation led by Absalom Dlamini, Minister of Economic Planning and Development of the Kingdom of Swaziland. The delegation is in Taiwan for the 11th Taiwan-Swaziland Economic and Technical Cooperation Conference. President Chen, on behalf of the government and people of the ROC (Taiwan), expressed a warm welcome and appreciation to Minister Absalom and the delegation.
The president said that the previous 10 economic and technical cooperation conferences have been held in the respective capitals of the two countries and have all been resounding successes. He said he has no doubt this year's conference will be every bit as successful, whether it be in the area of bilateral investment, assistance in the development of small- and medium-sized enterprises, or cooperation in information and mobile communications.
President Chen said that His Majesty King Mswati III of Swaziland personally led a delegation to Taiwan in September to take part in the First Taiwan-African Heads of State Summit. This was His Majesty's ninth visit to Taiwan. In addition, King Mswati III attended President Chen's inauguration in 2000 and then again in 2004, making him the only foreign head of state to attend both inauguration ceremonies. President Chen said this signifies the emphasis Swaziland places on its friendship with Taiwan.
President Chen also said he both supports and encourages Taiwan businesses to invest in and set up factories in Swaziland in order to create more employment opportunities in the African nation. Presently, 26 Taiwan companies operate factories in Swaziland, with 17 of the factories producing garments. Investment in Swaziland has reached US$84.5 million, creating about 19,000 jobs in that nation, he said. In addition, bilateral trade in 2006 grew 21% from the previous year. Though still small, Swaziland's exports to Taiwan in 2006 rose 501% from 2005. The president said he hopes that the two countries will continue to see strengthened cooperative relations and trade.
The president also said that important areas in cooperation between the two countries include the construction of Swaziland's international airport and a biotechnology zone, adding that Taiwan will continue to assist its friend in completing these projects. Meanwhile, Swaziland is among those having the highest incidence of HIV infection in the world, standing at 39%. Taiwan has a considerable amount of successful experience in AIDS prevention, and it is providing assistance and guidance in this area via a medical mission stationed in Swaziland as well as experts visiting the country. Likewise, Taiwan will also provide needed assistance in the areas of environmental protection and health and sanitation.
Minister Absalom said that Taiwan's holding of the First Taiwan-African Heads of State Summit was of great assistance to many African nations. In addition, he also reiterated his gratitude for Taiwan's assistance in construction of Swaziland's international airport and biotechnology zone.
Minister Absalom headed up the delegation, which also included his deputy Mbuso Dlamini, Principal Secretary of the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare Nomathemba Dlamini, and Principal Secretary of the Ministry of Enterprise and Employment Bertram Stewart and his wife. The delegation was accompanied to the Presidential Office in the afternoon by Minister of Economic Affairs Steve Ruey-long Chen. Also in attendance was Deputy Secretary-General to the President Lin Chia-lung.