A high level delegation from Saint Vincent and the Grenadines headed by the Hon. Sir Louis Straker, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Commerce visited the Republic of China (Taiwan) during the period March 24th - 30th, 2018.

The team included:

• Lady Lynda Straker - Spouse of Hon. Sir Louis Straker
• Hon. St. Clair Prince - Minister of Education, Reconciliation and Ecclesiastical Affairs
• Mrs. Naomi Dasilva Prince - Spouse of Hon. St. Clair Prince
• Mrs. Sandy Peters-Phillips - Permanent Secretary Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Commerce
• Ms. Anette Mark - Executive Director of Invest SVG

The purpose of the visit was to build on the excellent relations between Saint Vincent and the Grenadines and Taiwan and also to explore additional opportunities for training, trade and investment between both countries.

While in Taiwan, the delegation met with her Excellency Tsai Ing-wen, President of the Republic of China (Taiwan), His Excellency Dr. Jaushieh Joseph Wu, Foreign Minister of the republic of China (Taiwan) and Hon. Pan Wen-chung, Minister of Education. The delegation also visited The External and Trade Development Council and the Kaiping Culinary School.

During meeting with the Taiwanese President there were discussions on increasing opportunities for Vincentian to study in Taiwan. Subsequently in meeting with the Foreign Minister of the Republic of China (Taiwan) His Excellency Dr. Jaushieh Joseph Wu both sides discussed enhancing cooperation in education particularly securing more scholarships for Vincentians and increasing support in the area of vocation and technical education. Additionally, further support was requested from Taiwan toward the Zero Hunger Initiative which aims at achieving some of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), specifically, those related to hunger and poverty.

In addition to the bilateral discussions, the Honourable Sir Louis Straker received the Medal of Honour for Parliamentary Diplomacy – Order of the Brilliant Star for his commitment and involvement in strengthening ties and expanding exchanges between the two countries.

Since establishing diplomatic relations in 1981, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines and the Republic of China (Taiwan) have forged fraternal bonds and strong cooperation mechanism in various areas of national interest.