The Ministry of Finance (MOF) stated that the "Agreement between the Government of the Republic of China (Taiwan) and the Government of the Kingdom of Eswatini on Mutual Administrative Assistance in Customs Matters (hereinafter referred to as the Taiwan-Eswatini CMAA) was signed on May 2, 2026. Taiwan President Lai Ching-te and His Majesty King Mswati III witnessed the signing of the agreement which was done by Taiwan’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Lin Chia-lung, and Eswatini’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Pholile Shakantu. This agreement took effect on the day of signing. It not only deepens the diplomatic bonds between the two countries but also establishes a formalized platform for customs cooperation to ensure trade security and facilitate smoother customs clearance.

The MOF indicated that following the signing of the Economic Cooperation Agreement (ECA) in 2018, both countries committed to developing a customs cooperation mechanism. Based on this foundation, the MOF took the initiative to promote the signing of a CMAA with Eswatini. Through coordination between the respective finance and foreign affairs ministries, a consensus was reached on the agreement. This agreement, comprising 12 articles, allows customs authorities to share information and enforcement experiences on best practices to effectively combat customs offenses, thereby protecting legitimate trade and enhancing cargo clearance efficiency.

The MOF highlighted that Taiwan has already signed customs mutual assistance agreements, arrangements, or memorandums with its major trading partners and allies, including the United States, Canada, Australia, Japan, the Philippines, and Guatemala. Looking ahead, the MOF will continue to pursue customs cooperation with its global trading partners and diplomatic allies to build a comprehensive customs mutual assistance network. Such customs assistance aims to safeguard border security while fostering a favorable environment for Ease of Doing Business (EoDB) in Taiwan’s international trade activities.

Note: The Chinese and English versions of the Taiwan-Eswatini CMAA are as attached.

Press Contact:  Ms. Lin Tsui-fen Lin (Section Chief), Department of International Fiscal Affairs, Ministry of Finance

Telephone: (02) 2322-8189