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STATEMENT BY THE RT HON. PRIME MINISTER,

 

AMBROSE MANDVULO DLAMINI

AT THE ESWATINI, FRANCE BUSINESS SEMINAR

 

ROYAL VILLAS, EZULWINI

 

 WEDNESDAY 03 APRIL 2019

Honourable Ministers

Representative of the French South Africa Chamber of Commerce and Industry

Visiting French Business Delegation

Senior Government Officials

Representatives of the Private Sector

Captains of Industry

Members of the Media

Distinguished guests

Ladies and gentlemen

Sanibonani!  Bonjour ! Good Morning!

May I, on behalf of His Majesty’s Government, welcome all our visitors to the Kingdom of Eswatini. We are delighted to host you this morning as you explore various business opportunities offered by the Kingdom. From the onset, I would like to thank the main organisers of this event, Thuli Phiri and the Eswatini Investment Promotion Authority (EIPA) who put together an engaging programme for today. Furthermore, I would like to acknowledge the efforts made by the businesses represented in this forum for ensuring that this investment exploratory mission is accomplished.

The Government of Eswatini is determined to pave way for a more private sector-driven economy. We believe that the private sector is a catalyst for development and provides the best model for leveraging economic growth. It for this reason that we strive to ensure that government’s interface with business is underpinned by efficiency.

Interactions between Eswatini and France are not new. Eswatini has played host to a number of French institutions including businesses and non-government entities. These include Total, Air Liquide - trading as Swazi Gases, Allianz Francaise, (The French Alliance) as well as the Medicines San Francises (Doctors without Borders), amongst others.

Within the broader Trade Framework of the SADC Economic Partnership Agreements (commonly known as SADC – EPA), we note with pride that we are engaged in trade talks with France for the import and export of various products.

Our current statistics show that Eswatini exported to France 12 Million Euros worth of goods and imported goods worth 13 million Euros in the past three years. Export products from Eswatini to France mainly consist of fresh baby vegetables, handicraft and artworks, organic compounds and sugar, amongst others. Imports from France to Eswatini meanwhile consist of precision machinery for various uses such as health equipment, electrical and power equipment components, as well as other various acids, lubricants and chemical compounds. 

Programme director, ladies and gentlemen, you will recall that the SADC-EPA has an investment Chapter that seeks to address the investment inflows between the SADC EPA group of countries and the European Union. As a government, we seek to leverage on this framework in addition to the European External Investment Plan (EEIP), and bring in more foreign investments into the country. In this regard, we applaud the expansion plans that have already been demonstrated by the Swazi Gases company which are a reflection of their confidence in the economy of Eswatini.

One of our value propositions is access to a wide configuration of markets in which French companies can take advantage of, as long as the products originate from Eswatini. Such markets include the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) spanning across the Eastern and Southern Africa region with a combined population of over 360 Million inhabitants and 19 member countries.

That is why internationally renowned conglomerates like Coca–Cola have comfortably invested in the country for over 30 years, supplying these markets from Eswatini under preferential trade terms, while enjoying the priceless dividend of peace and stability of the Kingdom.

As part of our economic renewal strategy Government has prioritised a number of sectors where we seek to leverage economic growth through attracting private sector investment. These sectors include; Agriculture, Manufacturing and Agro-processing, Tourism, Energy, Mining, ICT and Education. To augment growth in these sectors, government has also charted a path to open up Special Economic Zones with a generous incentive package.

May I hasten to add that the Eswatini Investment Promotion Authority (EIPA) is available to assist businesses with information and subsequently setting up in the country. They will be available today to give you a range of options as well as support mechanisms for your companies to consider for your investment decisions.

As I conclude, may I once again thank you all for being part of this event, and pledge His Majesty’s Government’s commitment to supporting your business ventures in our beautiful Kingdom.

Merci Beaucoup! Thank you.

STATEMENT BY THE RT HON PRIME MINISTER

AMBROSE MANDVULO DLAMINI

AT THE DECLARATION OF ASSETS TO THE HUMAN RIGHTS AND INTEGRITY COMMISSION

AT THE CABINET OFFICES

MONDAY 01 APRIL 2019

 

Chairperson of the Human Rights and Integrity Commission

Commissioners

Senior Government officials

Members of the media

Good afternoon

May I welcome you all to the Cabinet Offices for this important undertaking of adhering to a Constitutional Provision aimed at enforcing a leadership code of conduct to combat corruption at all leadership levels.

Today I am declaring my assets to the Human Rights and Integrity Commission in fulfillment of Section 241 of the Constitution where the Prime Minister and people in leadership positions are expected and directed to declare their assets and liabilities.

As head of His Majesty’s Government, I have the obligation to lead by example to ensure transparency of the office I occupy and that of my person in conforming to the principles of common good and that of the Constitution. This is a significant Constitutional provision that helps to increase transparency and trust in leadership, preventing conflict of interest and the acquisition of illicit assets or attainment of wealth through corrupt practices.

His Majesty’s Government is unyielding in the quest to rid the country of corruption. The effects of corruption in society are well documented and researched. Corruption is without doubt among the principal reasons of economic stagnation and decline across nations. It robs Governments of revenue that could be directed to boost areas of productivityand social welfare. It takes away the ability of business to innovate and bring new products to society. In essence, it chases away potential investors, be they foreign or domestic, and worsens poverty.

As a Government, we are determined to ensure that all public resources are not used to illegally profit individuals but for public benefit in targeted areas that have the best potential to boost economic growth and welfare of the citizens of the country.  We have put together the necessary structures and policies that will bite hard on criminals and make Eswatini a no-go-area for the corrupt.

Last month, Government through the Ministry of Justice and Constitutional Affairs established an Assets Recovery Fund in line with the Prevention of Organised Crime Act.

Through this Fund, proceeds of criminal activity which include corruption will be traced and forfeited to the State.This is an additional way of fighting corruption by ensuring that the corrupt are deprived of the benefits and proceeds of crime.

The process of declaring assets, benefits and liabilities to the Human Rights and Integrity Commission is therefore important for all appointed and elected public officials as it helpsto enhance integrity and show commitment to the rule of law. Good governance calls upon leaders to be accountable to the people they represent and serve.

I take this opportunity to encourage all those obligated to declare their assets by the Constitution, to adhere to this provision and submit to the Human Rights Commission. This process is not voluntary but mandatory.

My gratitude goes to the Human Rights Commission for continuing with this noble task of holding public officials accountable. We look forward to working closely in processes that promote good governance.

Thank you.

The Ministry of Finance hosted a joint mission from the IMF, AfDB and World Bank from 17th to 31st of August, 2011.

ALL IS SET FOR NATIONAL DIALOGUE 2011

All is set for the two day National Dialogue at the Mavuso Exhibition and Trade Centre to be held on September 14th and 15th starting at 9.am.


His Majesty King  Mswati  111  has  appointed  the civil service  commission .  The new Commission  was announced  by the  Minister for  Public  Service Hon. Mtiti  Fakudze.
The Commission is chaired by Peter Mamba. Members are Princess Maxine, Ntfombiyenkhosi  Dlamini,  Prince  Matatazela and  former  Minister for  Justice  and  Constitutional Affairs Magwagwa Mdluli.  The appointment is with effect from 9 June 2011.

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