STATEMENT BY THE RT HON PRIME MINISTER
AT THE MEDIA CONFERENCE
ON THE UNCTAD AWARD AND THE ROLL-OUT OF THE INVESTOR ROADMAP 2012
AT THE CABINET OFFICES
FRIDAY 11 MAY 2012
Honourable Minister
UNDP Resident Representative
Chief Executive Officer and Staff of the Swaziland
Investment Promotion Authority
Ladies and Gentlemen of the Media
Two weeks ago, to the day, His Majesty launched the Investor Roadmap 2012 and presented to the Nation the national brand “Swaziland:Africa’s New Promise.”
That was a pivotal and inspirational moment in the economic history of our country – the moment when, having reviewed what will make Swaziland a more attractive investment destination, through the new Investor Roadmap we collectively made the promise to His Majesty and the Nation to deliver the goods.
That is not to say we have not hitherto made a considerable effort in the recent past to attract new investment, as well as encouraging expansion from within the economy. Indeed, one very good reason for meeting this morning is to inform the Nation about the award made to our own Swaziland Investment Promotion Authority (SIPA). We are very pleased to announce that in the recent Investment Promotion Awards by UNCTAD – that is, the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development – SIPA was awarded the runner-up position on investment promotion excellence. This was an award that took into account an organisation’s investment promotion strategy, as well as its effectiveness in assisting new investors to establish operations in a short period of time. The assessment involved personal contact with new investors of the previous year. I trust that SIPA has learned from what it observed of the strategies of other country participants in the UNCTAD competition.
On behalf of His Majesty’s Government, I congratulate SIPA on this commendable achievement. And I add that now is the time to extend that excellence into exemplary leadership in coordinating the implementation of the new Investor Roadmap.
At the new Investor Roadmap Launch two weeks ago I advised His Majesty of the total commitment of his Government to implementing the Roadmap according to the timelines set out. Those timelines have undoubtedly set down a very substantial challenge. That challenge is primarily to the public sector, but it is to be emphasized that the parastatal and private sectors also have an important role to play in upgrading the conducive business environment.
The Investor Roadmap targets are there in black and white, the responsibilities identified and the reporting process agreed. The planning and talking are done – now is the time for action.
In that regard, it is most encouraging to have been advised that all the working groups are now set up, fully briefed and have immediately set to work, committing to print – indeed, commencing – the activities which will produce the deliverables in the Roadmap. I say to those working groups - you have started well but this has been the easiest bit. You must continue to meet weekly, and sustain the momentum in order to change the landscape. The achievements have to be visible to those who will judge us – investors big and small, as well as the international institutions dealing with global competitiveness indices which are such a crucial reference point for investors.
We have slid down the World Bank’s Ease of Doing Business Index over the past few years. Not only must that decline be stopped but we must now make giant strides up that ranking list. This will undoubtedly happen if we achieve our targets on time, and ensure that our achievements are clearly articulated, and then communicated, to those who compile the respective competitiveness indices. In the space of twelve months we have to add vibrancy and credibility to our new national brand - “Swaziland:Africa’s New Promise.”
That promise is all about creating a new performance culture in Government and all other sectors that are expected to make a contribution to an improved investment environment. To increase the pressure on Government to improve service delivery, a toll-free line – 8007004 – has been made available for the general public to record their satisfaction or dissatisfaction regarding Government services. Those records will be carefully scrutinized.
And the more we promote the new brand, the greater our awareness of our new obligations. It is our expectation that the local media houses will provide the platforms that will ensure brand visibility, thus providing a constant reminder and inspiration. Both our radio and TV stations have, therefore, been given the marketing material.
Failure to achieve our Investor Roadmap targets is simply not an option. The established reporting process will enable Cabinet to receive regular reports on progress.
On that note, I repeat our congratulations to SIPA for this international recognition of its work and add my best wishes for a successful coordinating role in implementation of the Investor Roadmap 2012.
Thank you.