The Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries, Food Security and Rural Development of Saint Lucia led a delegation to visit Taiwan - Agency of Rural Development and Soil and Water Conservation, MOA

The TaiwanICDF (International Cooperation and Development Fund) invited four distinguished guests from Saint Lucia during their visit to Taiwan: Hon. Alfred Prospere, Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries, Food Security and Rural Development; and Hon. Richard Frederick, Minister of Housing and Local Government. The delegation visited the FOOD TAIPEI 2024, Kaohsiung Xingang Community to observe its rural development achievements, as well as the International Demonstration Site for Agricultural Land and Water Conservation at National Pingtung University of Science and Technology.

On the morning of June 26, we invited distinguished guests to visit the Rural Good Products Zone at FOOD TAIPEI 2024, where we shared our experiences in supporting rural good products. In the afternoon, Deputy Minister Hu Jong-I of Ministry of Agriculture introduced Taiwan's agricultural development achievements, highlighting ARDSWC's extensive experience in climate change, rural industry, and residential environmental maintenance. Taiwan expressed readiness to provide further assistance to Saint Lucia and promote bilateral cooperation.

On June 27, the delegation explored the success of the grouper fish industry in Xingang Community, sharing experiences and achievements in production, marketing, and promotion of agricultural products. They interacted with local young farmers and fishers in the Kaohsiung and Pingtung areas to understand the current situation of young people returning to their hometowns in our country. The delegation was impressed by Taiwan's integration of resources from government, industry, and academia to foster rural development and create youth employment opportunities.

On June 28, the delegation visited the International Demonstration Site for Agricultural Land and Water Conservation at National Pingtung University of Science and Technology. They observed various soil and water conservation techniques for sloping land erosion control, efficient farm management, and slope stability measures. Saint Lucia expressed keen interest in applying these methods and educational approaches to optimize hillside agriculture in their country.

Since 2023, following the signing of a cooperation agreement between ARDSWC and the TaiwanICDF, the TaiwanICDF has gradually included our agency in its foreign aid programs as a partner. Together, we aim to deepen international assistance efforts in rural development and disaster prevention technologies with Taiwan's diplomatic allies. This Taiwan-Saint Lucia collaboration will continue to foster substantive exchanges and cooperation, enhancing the friendly relations between Taiwan and Saint Lucia.