The Ambassador of the Republic of China on Taiwan, Thomas Chen, presented two cheques amounting to US$648 259. 00 (E6.5 million) for the Royal Science and Technology Park Project (RSTP). The event took place on October 29, 2013 at the Republic of China on Taiwan Embassy in Mbabane. The money will be used for the payment of Certificates 15 and 16 which were submitted by Steffanuti Stocks, the main contractor. “The Bio-technology Park Project is an ongoing project and we are very glad to learn that the progress rate of Lot 1 has reached 75%,” the Ambassador said. He thanked the Ministry of Information, Communications and Technology (ICT) for the wonderful work done so far.

Ambassador Chen also noted that it was important for Swaziland to use its existing biotechnology and recycled resources to produce valuable products and create job opportunities for the Swazi people.

The Principal Secretary (PS) in the Ministry of ICT, Sikelela Dlamini, received both cheques and said the Bio-technology Park started from a vision, a dream and a desire. “It translated into a journey, where His Majesty himself took the driver’s seat, with the Republic of China on Taiwan tirelessly fuelling the move,” he said. The PS took the opportunity to introduce the recently appointed Chairman of the RSTP Board Dr Musa Dube as well as the new Project Manager, Vumile Dlamini.

Joyce Dlamini, the Acting Principal Secretary in the Ministry of Economic Planning and Development, said the Government of the Kingdom of Swaziland had no doubt that the project, upon completion, would open up opportunities and attract Foreign Direct Investment (FDI), and enable the country to tap into the world of Research and Development.  Senior government officials also attended the event.