Nhlangano – His Majesty King Mswati III said geopolitical developments are posing threats for trade dependent countries, urging for strategic shifts.
“It’s imperative that Eswatini strategically assesses these challenges to mitigate risks and seize opportunities to safeguard our achievements.
“Global shifts such as protectionism and supply chain distributions pose threats to our trade dependent economy,” His Majesty said.
The king was speaking on Friday at King Sobhuza II Memorial ground, Nhlangano, at the commemoration of his 57th birthday.
Although the King’s birthday falls on April 19, it was commemorated on April 25 as it fell on the Easters. April 25 also serves as the National Flag Day.
Among the foreigb dignitaries were former presidents of South Africa, Jacob Zuma and Democratic Republic of Congo, Joseph Kabila, and special envoy of the President of the Republic of China (Taiwan) Lin Chia Lung, members of the diplomatic Corp and politicians.
His Majesty said that for the past 39 years, the country has seen some gains.
Among these, he said the country’s GDP has grown from E1.5 billion in 1986 to E70 billion currently. He said there were also millium development projects, infrastructure development, tarring of the road network, electrification, and the provision of portable water.
The king said these efforts stand to be watered down as geopolitical developments threaten trade.
“We must diversify markets, strengthen local industries, attract investors, and build resilience against volatility,” the King said.
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