Eighteen years in, the Saint Lucia–Taiwan Trade Show isn’t slowing down, it’s expanding. Opening Thursday at the Pavillion at Rodney Bay, this year’s showcase links 65 local businesses with 25 companies from Taiwan, highlighting everything from homegrown foods and handmade goods to robotics, digital services, and clean-energy tech. It’s not just a trade event; it’s a meeting point for two economies actively building together.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Tourism, Investment, Creative Industries, Culture and Information, Dr. Ernest Hilaire, praised the continued strength of the bilateral relationship and its tangible impact on local industry.
“This trade show celebrates almost two decades of meaningful cooperation between Saint Lucia and Taiwan,” Dr. Hilaire said. “It is a dynamic platform that allows our local entrepreneurs, artisans, and producers to stand alongside cutting-edge Taiwanese innovation, and that is how true partnership works.”
He also delivered a strong statement reaffirming Saint Lucia’s recognition of Taiwan’s global contribution and resilience. “Taiwan has demonstrated to the world its capability and its right to exist as a full sovereign nation. It has shown the strength to overcome challenges, the capacity to innovate, and the ability to create one of the highest standards of living anywhere on earth.”
This year’s trade show places special emphasis on food security and digital transformation, areas Dr. Hilaire said have become urgent national priorities. “COVID taught us that we must be able to feed ourselves. We must strengthen our capabilities as a people to meet our own needs and we must innovate. AI and digital transformation are not optional. They are now the foundation of how competitive and resilient economies function.”
He highlighted successful collaboration between Taiwanese technical teams and Saint Lucian creative professionals in enhancing carnival costume engineering and expanding opportunities in the souvenir and craft sectors.
The event is being held under the theme “Securing Tomorrow: Powered by Sustainability, Built on Resilience.”
Dr. Hilaire noted that sustainability must be embedded in business planning from production methods to product value. “True progress must ensure that future generations inherit opportunity, stability, and a world capable of supporting their growth,” he said.
Director of Commerce and Industry, Johnathan Allain, described the trade show as a platform that empowers local businesses, especially micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), to grow through exposure, collaboration, and innovation.
“Every business linkage formed and every product showcased here today is an investment in securing tomorrow,” Allain said. “This is where Saint Lucian ingenuity meets Taiwanese excellence, and together, we are building resilience, sustainability, and shared prosperity.”
He extended special appreciation to Ambassador H.E. Nicole Su and the Embassy of the Republic of China (Taiwan) for continued support.
Dr. Hilaire reaffirmed the government’s commitment to strengthening the partnership, particularly in developing small-scale manufacturing systems and appropriate technology solutions tailored to Saint Lucia’s business landscape.
“We will continue to build on this relationship. Saint Lucia is grateful for Taiwan’s unwavering support,” he said.
The trade show remains open to the public through the weekend.
