King Mswati III of Swaziland is to visit Taiwan next week to lure investment to the south African nation, announced ts embassy in Taipei.

"The purpose of the visit is to encourage Taiwan manufacturers to invest in Swaziland, and to seek Taiwan's investment in the Swazi City and the Science and Industrial Park," embassy counsellor Donald Mazibuko said.

The Swazi City and the Science and Industrial Park are being planned near Manzini, Swaziland's commercial and industrial centre.

The park is to house hi-tech and electronics firms, Mazibuko said.

"Foreign investors can enjoy tax cuts and other benefits. What they produce in Swaziland, they can export to many countries which give us tariff exemption," Prince Hlangusemphi Dlamini, minister for economic planning and development, told the United Daily News.

The new Sikhuphe International Airport is scheduled to open in October, the embassy said.

Landlocked Swaziland is one of the 23 countries which recognise Taiwan.