ASHGABAT, TURKMENISTAN – Eswatini’s Minister of Commerce, Industry and Trade, Manqoba Khumalo, has thrown his weight behind calls for the establishment of a dedicated World Trade Organization (WTO) Work Programme for Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDCs).
Speaking at the United Nations Conference on LLDCs held in Ashgabat, Khumalo backed the decision taken during the 13th WTO Ministerial Conference and said Eswatini was already taking steps to adjust to changing global trade dynamics.
He pointed to the National Digital Economy Strategy and the Business One Stop Shop as key national interventions improving the country’s trade environment, especially for micro, small and medium enterprises.
Eswatini is also scaling digital skills training and expanding access to affordable internet through collaboration with development partners.
Khumalo said deeper regional integration remained the fastest way for LLDCs to overcome structural challenges, access markets, and build resilient value chains. He referenced a recent Joint Action Plan signed with South Africa to develop a One Stop Border Post at Oshoek–Ngwenya, aimed at reducing transit delays and improving cross-border trade.
He added that Eswatini had established a State Business Relations Secretariat to ensure government policies are responsive to private sector needs through evidence-based dialogue and collaboration.
Khumalo told delegates that being landlocked should not mean being left behind, and that Eswatini was committed to turning its geographic constraints into trade opportunities.
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