Photo by VOICE
Babonneau is now the third community to benefit from the innovative Community Business Revitalization Project, led by the Taiwan Technical Commission in partnership with the Ministry of Commerce.
At a media launch on Wednesday, Project Manager Tsou Yueh-Hung provided a definitive update on the project’s format and objectives.
This initiative, which launched in August 2023, will run for four years, concluding in June 2027. The training program is specifically designed to equip participants with essential new skills and foster personal development.
“The objective of this project is to explicitly support local businesses, particularly small enterprises across four key communities,” Tsou Yueh-Hung stated at the Babonneau Multi-Purpose Centre.
To ensure effective management and execution, the project will implement clear functional structures involving the TTM, the Ministry of Commerce, and local organizations and councils within the targeted communities.
The four primary locations included are Fond St Jacques in Soufriere, Dennery South, Laborie, and Babonneau. “All entities will work collaboratively to support their businesses and community,” Tsou Yueh-Hung emphasized. He explained that the project operates through a comprehensive engagement platform aimed at driving growth and empowerment.
This platform consists of major pillars, including Capacity Building, which features training programs that empower local participants with critical skills necessary for both business and personal growth.
Moreover, it is a small-business support initiative that will create essential opportunities for market access. The TTM will implement streamlined business registration and site services to facilitate entrepreneurs.
Additionally, the project includes a Cultural Dance Program designed to generate tourism-related activities or jobs that highlight the rich local culture, boost the local economy, and promote Saint Lucia’s heritage.
To address community concerns, Tsou Yueh-Hung mentioned that in Laborie, around 165 business surveys were conducted. This indicates a strong eagerness among entrepreneurs to elevate their businesses, he stated.
“This project will enable business proprietors to enhance their operations, strengthen their credibility and reputation, and potentially secure funding, tax benefits, and other initiatives,” he affirmed.
Regarding the Babonneau project, He asserted, “Our core objective is to revitalize Babonneau through collaboration with the council and our key partner, Babonneau Youth Synergy, alongside other local businesses.”
He added, “Our goal is to create an integrated platform that not only enhances the professional skills of local youth but also stimulates the development of small businesses.”
Ysou Yueh-Hung concluded, “This comprehensive approach will effectively link tourism resources, driving significant economic growth throughout the region.”
Her Excellency Nicole Su, Ambassador of the Republic of China (Taiwan) to Saint Lucia, underscored the importance of this bilateral cooperation for the project’s execution.
The ambassador praised Babonneau’s rich cultural heritage and history as a stunning ‘image of beauty’ to the world, with immense romantic potential.
“It has great potential as an attractive tourism package that will sustainably build community-business,” Ambassador Su stated.
She announced that the upcoming workshops will cover vital topics, including product development, entrepreneurship, marketing, and financial management.
“We are committed to building capacity to support innovation and spark economic growth in Babonneau,” she asserted.
Member of Parliament for Babonneau, Dr. Virginia Poyotte, declared that this partnership is a timely intervention for the community. She characterized Babonneau as an agro tourism-based community with immense potential for capacity building and income-generating projects.
Dr. Poyotte acknowledged the invaluable support of the Constituency Development Project (CDP), funded by Taiwan, which has significantly transformed the economic landscape of the communities.
She emphasized, “The presence of Taiwan in Saint Lucia has been instrumental in driving transformation across the nation through the CDP projects.”
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