Mbabane – The Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Trade officially opened the World Customs Organisation Advanced Training on Rules of Origin today. Director of International Trade Lungile Dlamini represented the Principal Secretary at the ceremony.
Dlamini thanked the European Union, GIZ and the WCO for their continued support, noting their role in advancing Eswatini’s trade development. The advanced training builds on an intermediate session held in August at the Eswatini Revenue Service headquarters, aimed at strengthening cooperation between the Ministry and Customs.
The Principal Secretary noted the importance of Rules of Origin under the African Continental Free Trade Area, particularly for the textiles, clothing and automotive sectors. Accurate determination of product origin is essential for accessing preferential trade benefits, developing value chains and ensuring fair revenue collection. 
Participants will gain hands-on experience through visits to factories and offices, improving their skills in verification processes and certificate issuance. The Ministry also thanked the AfCFTA and SADC Secretariats for supporting Eswatini in maximising the benefits of regional and continental trade agreements.
