Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre began an official visit to Taiwan with discussions focusing on housing, food security, education, and opportunities for young people in Saint Lucia.
At a welcome luncheon on Tuesday hosted by Taiwan’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, Lin Chia-lung, Pierre expressed appreciation for a US$20 million loan from Taiwan’s Export-Import Bank to support housing development in Saint Lucia.
He also identified food security as a priority, highlighting the need to increase local agricultural production while expanding the country’s export capacity.
The visit seeks to strengthen cooperation between the two countries in areas including agriculture, technology, education, youth development and culture.
Minister Lin reaffirmed Taiwan’s commitment to cooperation with Saint Lucia, citing initiatives in agriculture, security, technology and the empowerment of women and young people. He also thanked Saint Lucia for supporting Taiwan’s meaningful participation in international organisations.
Pierre, who is on his fourth visit to Taiwan, acknowledged the contribution of Taiwan’s Ambassador to Saint Lucia, Nicole Su, to relations between the two countries.
On youth development, the Prime Minister highlighted Saint Lucia’s Youth Economy initiative and expressed hope for greater exchanges between young people from both countries.
He also expressed interest in exploring the establishment of a facility dedicated to Kwéyòl arts and culture, which could support cultural preservation, creative enterprise and tourism.
During a subsequent visit to Saint Lucia’s Embassy in Taiwan, Ambassador Robert Lewis reported that more than 200 Saint Lucian students had pursued higher education in Taiwan.
Lewis also proposed a visit by Saint Lucian medical professionals to discuss possible collaboration and exchanges of expertise with Taiwanese health authorities.
The Prime Minister’s programme included visits to Songshan Cultural and Creative Park and Oringo Taipei Songshan, where he observed locally crafted products, including items made from recycled materials. He noted the potential for young Saint Lucians to develop similar enterprises.
Discussions are also ongoing about Saint Lucia’s proposed participation in the Taiwan International Travel Fair, which could provide an opportunity to showcase the island’s tourism offerings, local products, culture and heritage.
Pierre expressed interest in further cooperation in wellness tourism, an area Saint Lucia is already pursuing.
He thanked the Government of Taiwan for arranging the visit and expressed optimism about the continued development of relations between the two countries.
Pierre’s official state visit ends on November 1.
