The Ministry of Commerce, Business Development, Investment and Consumer Affairs, in partnership with the Embassy of the Republic of China (Taiwan), this year hosted the 8th Annual Taiwan-Saint Lucia Partnership Trade Exhibition from November 27-29. The event was held at the Johnsons Centre, Rodney Bay and featured several exhibitors from Saint Lucia and Taiwan. Judging by the responses and feedback from those who traversed the halls of the venue, the event appeared to be a success. Several local exhibitors also confirmed making sales as well as contacts for the retailing of their products.
The objective of the exhibition is to present a wide range of quality goods and services from Saint Lucia and the Republic of China (Taiwan) to the general public and the business community. It was anticipated that this year’s exhibition would serve as an opportunity to create lucrative synergies between the exhibitors, local investors and the business community in order to foster and promote trade and investment between Saint Lucia and the Republic of China (Taiwan).
(L:R) Emma Hyppolyte, Minister for Commerce; Ambassador Mou; Governor General Dame Pearlette Louisy and Phillip J Pierre, Minister for Infrastructure.
At the formal opening of the exhibition the Ambassador of the Republic of China (Taiwan), Ray Hua-Wei Mou, emphasized that the main purpose for Taiwan-Saint Lucia Partnership Trade Exhibition was to create the platform to introduce more of Taiwan’s products to Saint Lucian consumers and to promote two-way trade.
“I am happy to announce that under joint effort of our two governments, the number of exhibitors in the trade show this year has reached the historical high by over 60,” he announced.
The ambassador also stated that to make the 2015 trade exhibition more meaningful, the Taiwan Embassy cooperated with the Ministry of Social Transformation to hold fund-raising activities for the community after-school programme during the trade show. “For that sake, the embassy has agreed to donate EC$5,000 to the programme,” he said.
Hundreds of Saint Lucians took the opportunity to visit the trade exhibition which featured sampling of products and cultural presentations on each day.
Among the local exhibitors were Christine Samuels with her Christy Collection line of bags, Shirley Edwards with her local Christmas adornments, Terril Nicholas of Illuminating Designs fashion jewellery and Maria Jackson of Cacoa Sainte Lucie, producers of high-end chocolates.
A number of local authors also had their books on display as well as producers of local condiments, wines, clothing and textiles.
The Taiwanese were represented by their External Trade Development Council (TAITRA) as well as King Kung Health Food Co., Ltd. and Jamlco Enterprise Co., Ltd. whose main product series includes plate bending rolls and hydraulic roll plate bending rolls. There was also Daa Ching Enterprise specializing in outdoor equipment such as tents, folding tables and chairs and Speedtech Energy.
