Foreword
The year 2009 was characterised by
the ongoing climate of global
uncertainty coupled with the
economic recession and we again felt the
impact of these adverse trends. The latest
figures indicate that world economic output
reduced to 0.5% and Swaziland achieved
estimated growth of only 0.4% compared
with 2.4% the previous year. However,
predictions indicate that the situation will
start to improve during the coming year.
In the face of this, Government’s focus
remains on encouraging foreign investment
and growing the Small and Medium
Enterprise (SME) sector, together with
providing the highest quality services to
investors.
Various development agencies strive to
attract new investors, who we can assure
of a peaceful and beautiful environment
with all the facilities and infrastructure they
need. These investors may enjoy confidence
and freedom in conducting their business
through Swaziland’s commitment to the
free enterprise principle and the many
enabling trade agreements that are in place.
Strong focus continues to be placed on the
ongoing Smart Partnership concept. This
process provides a forum for creating
opportunities and wealth sharing between
political leaders and the private and public
sectors, among other partners.
Another positive development was the 2009
International Trade Fair. More countries and
exhibitors than ever participated and this
forum for showcasing Swaziland was the
most successful ever.
During 2009, the highway extension that
bypasses Mbabane was completed,
facilitating the faster, more efficient
movement of through traffic to the
Matsapha Industrial Site and Manzini. The
new international airport at Sikhuphe is due
to be completed in time for the influx of
visitors to the region for the 2010 FIFA World
Cup and this will make Swaziland a major
gateway to and from the Southern Africa
region.
I would again like to commend our
Swaziland Business Year Book on the part
it plays in publicising Swaziland. Investment
agencies utilise it as a part of the country’s
promotional package and many companies
consider it an ideal medium through which
to highlight their operations.
I wish everyone involved with Swaziland a
peaceful and successful year in 2010.
Senator Jabulile Mashwama
Minister for Commerce, Industry & Trade