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