Basseterre, St. Kitts, November 01, 2018 (MOFA): Representatives from Government agencies, the Embassy of the Republic of China (Taiwan), and the Chamber of Industry and Commerce engaged in robust discussions with members of the 11-member delegation of Taiwanese investors, who visited the Federation on a fact-finding mission.
The mission is designed to create business, and human resource development opportunities which could redound to the benefit of individuals and entities in Taiwan and St. Kitts and Nevis.
Kaye Bass, Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, welcomed Ambassador Tom Lee and visiting delegation. She reiterated the strong bonds of friendship between the countries and underscored the timeliness of the visit, given the 35 years of relationship. She said she hoped the visit would yield fruitful business partnerships. Ms Bass invited her colleagues from the Ministry of Trade, SKIPA, and Ministry of Tourism to present on ongoing and future projects in their respective agency with promise for Taiwanese collaboration.
The presentations elicited interactive and meaningful deliberations surrounding human resource development for the hospitality sector; investment in the yachting and marina sector; spa and wellness; high end shopping; and art and craft sector, which caters to authentic indigenous products for the tourism industry; small business development; technical and vocational skills development; commercial agriculture; renewable energy; fisheries; and development of a food processing industry.
Vice President of the Chamber of Industry and Commerce, Giselle Matthews, who was also invited to contribute to the discussion, supported areas for development including Small, Medium Enterprises (SMEs) and agriculture including flower farming. She expressed the hope that the opportunities for dialogue would translate into tangible business opportunities in St. Kitts and Nevis and in Taiwan.
William Hsu, Deputy Counsellor, Department of International Cooperation and Economic Affairs, at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Taipei, and head of the Taiwanese delegation explained the mission’s objectives of forging partnerships and scouting opportunities for investment. Ambassador Tom Lee pledged to keep the lines of communication open with a view to ensuring the success of the mission.
The delegation visited Nevis on Tuesday and participated in a similar exercise. They departed the Federation on Thursday, November 01, 2018.
(Seated): Kaye Bass, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs; Kara Daly, Director, Chamber of Industry and Commerce (CIC); Jasmine Weekes, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of International Trade; and Carlene Henry-Morton, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Tourism. Standing are members of the Taiwanese delegation; Officials from the Taiwanese Embassy in St. Kitts and Nevis, as well as other local government officials.