TAIPEI (Taiwan News) – A Taiwanese delegation of potential investors was received by King Mswati III of Eswatini, Taipei’s only diplomatic ally in Africa, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said Saturday.

The idea for the trip originated in April, when Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung (林佳龍) attended the king’s 57th birthday celebrations. As business people in his delegation expressed interest in investing in Eswatini, the ministry organized the trip in just three months.

The delegation spent July 27 to Aug. 2 exploring business opportunities in the small landlocked country bordering South Africa. The king and government leaders praised Lin for his speedy and effective action, the ministry said.

Representatives from the green energy, biotechnology, health, and construction sectors met with Prime Minister Russell Dlamini and Minister of Commerce Manqoba Khumalo. 

They also visited the Royal Science and Technology Park and Taiwanese-owned factories, and attended an investment seminar. The media in Eswatini widely reported the visit, and a dinner with the king was the subject of a livestream by Eswatini TV.