Prime Minister Hon. Philip J. Pierre began his official visit to the Republic of China (Taiwan) on Tuesday, discussing housing, food security, education, and opportunities for young people.
Taiwan's Minister for Foreign Affairs, His Excellency Dr. Lin Chia-lung, hosted a welcome luncheon for the Saint Lucia delegation, which comprises Prime Minister Pierre and Ms. Marie Felix; Attorney General Leslie Mondesir; Senator Dr. Allison Jean; and Daryl Raymond, Chairman of the Saint Lucia Development Bank.
Minister Lin spoke of Taiwan's continued cooperation with Saint Lucia in areas including agriculture, security, technology, and the empowerment of women and young people. He also acknowledged the contributions of Taiwan-supported projects to the lives of Saint Lucians and thanked Saint Lucia for supporting Taiwan’s meaningful participation in international organisations.
Prime Minister Pierre recognised Taiwan’s Ambassador to Saint Lucia, Her Excellency Nicole Su, for her contribution to relations between the two countries. He noted this was his fourth visit to Taiwan, having previously travelled there as Deputy Prime Minister and as Prime Minister.
In his remarks, the Prime Minister expressed appreciation for the US$20 million loan secured through Taiwan's Export-Import Bank to support housing development in Saint Lucia. He also identified food security as a priority, emphasising the need to increase production for local consumption while expanding the country’s export capacity.
Speaking on youth development, Prime Minister Pierre highlighted Saint Lucia's Youth Economy initiative and expressed hope for greater exchanges between young people in Saint Lucia and Taiwan. He also expressed interest in exploring the establishment of a facility dedicated to Kwéyòl arts and culture, with potential to support cultural preservation, creative enterprise and tourism.
The Prime Minister expressed appreciation for the opportunities afforded to Saint Lucian students pursuing higher education in Taiwan. During a subsequent visit to Saint Lucia's Embassy, Ambassador His Excellency Dr. Robert Lewis reported that more than 200 Saint Lucian students have pursued studies there.
Ambassador Lewis briefed the Prime Minister on the Embassy's work since its establishment in 2015 and proposed a visit by Saint Lucian medical professionals to discuss possible collaboration and exchanges of expertise with Taiwanese health authorities. Prime Minister Pierre thanked the Ambassador for his service and contribution to Saint Lucia's relations with Taiwan.
The Prime Minister also noted ongoing discussions concerning Saint Lucia's proposed participation in the Taiwan International Travel Fair, which could provide an avenue to showcase the country's tourism offerings, local products, culture and heritage. He expressed interest in further cooperation in wellness tourism, an area Saint Lucia is already pursuing.
The first day's programme also included visits to the Songshan Cultural and Creative Park and Oringo Taipei Songshan. There, the Prime Minister observed locally crafted products, including items made from recycled materials, and noted the potential for young Saint Lucians to develop similar enterprises.
On behalf of the Government and people of Saint Lucia, Prime Minister Pierre thanked the Government of Taiwan for arranging the visit and expressed optimism about the continued growth of the relationship between the two countries.
