SD needs to up its game
SWAZILAND needs to up its game and be pro-business in all its actions so as to remain competitive. Swaziland Investment Promotion Authority (SIPA) Acting General Manager John Creamer said, in this regard, his organisation and its line ministry continued to look at measures to improve business processes in the country. “The investor roadmap is an outcome of such actions and details issues such as costs, steps, timeframes and submission requirements relating to starting up and operating a business in Swaziland,” he explained. Lagging He continued to say Africa as a region had all along been lagging behind in terms of reforms, but had since been ranked third after only Eastern Europe and Central Asia, citing Mauritius as one country that had made a commitment to be amongst the top 10 countries in terms of ease of doing business. “The onus is now upon us, both in private and public sectors, to ensure that Swaziland can move towards ambitious targets like our competitors, Mauritius,” he said. Creamer further noted that investment promotion had changed dramatically, with countries seeking to offer investors more and better incentives. “We believe and remain convinced that incentives alone cannot bring investments. Companies seek a conducive investment environment that allows them to prosper without too much red tape.” Better The acting GM said stakeholders needed to consciously drive for better legislation and processes. “We alone do not have the solutions, but it is in the collective and holistic involvement of all stakeholders that will make Swaziland an even better place to do business. Let us derive and add value from our involvement.” Meanwhile, Head of the United States Mission to Swaziland, Lynn Allison stated that for Swaziland to attract investors, it must compete for their attention. “We live in a global economy, so you need to compete not just with South Africa, Mozambique, Zambia and Egypt, but also with Brazil, Singapore, Germany, China and Mexico.” She said investors had the whole world to rove about in, adding that if Swaziland placed roadblocks in their way, then they would simply go elsewhere. Established Allison further noted that the investor roadmap was established to remove such roadblocks. “It points out regulatory and other roadblocks in Swaziland which make it hard for investors to obtain permits and licences, import equipment, bring in experts, find land, understand taxes and environmental regulations.” She said overcoming these roadblocks would require real effort and coordination among all those involved. “Working together, you can make Swaziland a more welcoming, more attractive place for investors. This workshop is a good opportunity to listen, make suggestions and brainstorm on ways to make the country a desirable and even favoured destination for investors.” Allison said this would also require changes in people’s routines, but the result - more investment, jobs and a better economy for all Swazis - was worth the work and changes. | 
