Swaziland is aiming to increase foreign direct investments into the country by offering investors a chance to capitalise on various business and investment opportunities in the growing markets of Swaziland. As part of this initiative, King Mswati III of Swaziland travelled to the United Arab Emirates in an effort to boost bi-lateral trade ties betwen the two countries. The UAE, on its part, expressed keenness in bolstering co-operation with Swaziland in the fields of energy, economy, education and agriculture. During his visit to Abu Dhabi, King Mswati also opened Swaziland’s Embassy in Abu Dhabi and expressed his desire to enhance bi-lateral ties particularly in trade and commerce.
With the aim of further consolidating Swaziland’s business and trade sectors, King Mswati III has called for the establishment of a business advisory body that would assist aspiring entrepreneurs in Swaziland to formulate good business plans and contribute to the country’s development.
Central Bank of Swaziland Governor Martin Dlamini reiterated His Majesty’s call, saying the establishment of business advisory councils could help in achieving investment and economic growth in the country. He said there was indeed a need for the establishment of business advisory councils that would assist business people with business management skills. He reiterated that Swazis had a lot of ideas for viable business ventures, whether small or large, in various spectrums of the economy, including tourism and opportunities that would come with the full opening of Sikhuphe International Airport later this year. The new airport is strategically located in the heart of South Eastern Africa and is being designed and built in partnership with international project managers with local, regional and international consultants and contractors providing a skilled development team and workforce.
When it opens Sikhuphe International airport will meet and exceed international standards for safety, and will be able to handle unprecedented volumes of international passenger and freight traffic in and out of the region. The Kingdom of Swaziland is a treasure trove for tourists and commercial interests and Sikhuphe International Airport is the new gateway, providing a convenient base for exploring South east african region, with Kruger National park in the North and KwaZulu Natal to the south both within a hour or so’s drive.
The new airport comprises a 3600-metre CAT 1 runway together with connecting taxiway, apron, terminal building, ATC tower, radar systems, fire station, police station, fuel farm, supporting buildings, access roads, utilities (two independent power supplies), and security fencing.
