Namibia, Swaziland craft trade agreements to enhance bilateral relations

Plans are under way for Namibia and the Kingdom of Swaziland to expand bilateral relations, Foreign Minister of Swaziland Chief Mgwagwa Gamedze said in Windhoek on Thursday.

He made the remarks during an official visit and courtesy call by King Mswati III of Swaziland to Namibian President Hage Geingob in Windhoek.

According to Gamedze, the ministers of the two countries responsible for foreign affairs, trade, finance and environment all discussed the possible signing of the Memorandum of Understandings in respective areas of trade, development and investment.

"Our principals (the Head of States) has mandated all the said ministries of the two countries to come together and see how we do industrialization between our respective countries," said Gamedze

"We have so many products that we have in our respective countries that have exchange-trade potential. For instance, we have sugar in Swaziland that Namibia needs, in return Namibia has fish that we need in Swaziland. We are looking at how we can enhance trade," he added.

The agreements will not however be signed during the King's visit to Namibia, as the two parties are still crating and negotiating on the modalities of operation.

"There are technocrats that are looking at the various aspects of the agreements. Very soon we will be able to sign the agreements between the two countries," he said.

King Mswati III of Swaziland is in Namibia for an official visit, and is also expected to inaugurate the Southern Africa Customs Union headquarters. Endit