Ministry of Finance: Taiwan-Eswatini Customs Agreement Takes Effect, Ensuring Trade Security and Customs Facilitation

（Central News Agency reporter Chao Min-Ya, Taipei, 3rd）President Lai Ching-Te visited Eswatini and witnessed the signing of a customs mutual assistance agreement between the two nations with King Mswati III on May 2. The Ministry of Finance announced that the Taiwan-Eswatini customs mutual assistance agreement took effect on May 2, deepening the diplomatic ties between Taiwan and Eswatini, establishing a foundation for institutionalized cooperation on customs matters, and realizing trade security and customs facilitation.

Taiwan's Ministry of Finance issued a press release today stating that the "Agreement on Mutual Administrative Assistance in Customs Matters between the Government of the Republic of China (Taiwan) and the Government of the Kingdom of Eswatini" was signed on May 2 under the witness of President Lai and King Mswati III, by Minister of Foreign Affairs Lin Chia-Lung and Eswatini's Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Pholile Shakantu.

The Ministry of Finance stated that the Taiwan-Eswatini customs mutual assistance agreement took effect on May 2, deepening the diplomatic ties between Taiwan and Eswatini, establishing a foundation for institutionalized cooperation on customs matters, and realizing trade security and customs facilitation.

The Ministry of Finance explained that Taiwan and Eswatini signed an Economic Cooperation Agreement (ECA) in 2018, committing to developing a customs cooperation mechanism. Based on this foundation, the Ministry of Finance actively promoted the negotiation of a customs mutual assistance agreement with Eswatini. Through communication and coordination between the finance ministries and foreign affairs ministries of both sides, a consensus was reached on the cooperation content of the agreement.

The Ministry of Finance stated that the agreement comprises 12 articles. Upon its signing and entry into force, it will facilitate the sharing of information and law enforcement experience between the customs authorities of both sides, effectively combating fraud and violations of customs regulations, safeguarding legitimate trade, and enhancing the efficiency of cargo clearance.

The Ministry of Finance pointed out that Taiwan has currently signed customs mutual assistance agreements (or memoranda of understanding) with important trading partners and allies such as the United States, Canada, Australia, Japan, the Philippines, and Guatemala. In the future, Taiwan will continue to promote customs cooperation with other countries with close economic and trade ties and allies, establishing a dense network of customs mutual assistance, ensuring border security, and creating a safer and more convenient international trade environment for Taiwanese businesses. (Edited by Tsai Su-Jung) 1150503