The 18th edition of the Saint Lucia-Taiwan Partnership Trade Show ended on a high note on the evening of Sunday, November 9, 2025, at The Pavillion on the Ramp at Rodney Bay. This year, 65 top Saint Lucian businesses and 25 businesses from Taiwan showcased their goods and services, a record number for the annual event.
This year’s trade show was officially opened on the morning of Friday, November 7, 2025, under the theme, “Securing Tomorrow: Powered by Sustainability, Built on Resilience”. Organized by the Ministry of Commerce in Saint Lucia, the Embassy of the Republic of China (Taiwan), and Taiwan External Trade Development Council (TAITRA), this year’s trade show also attracted increased enthusiasm and interest, with more than 100 Saint Lucian companies applying to participate.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, H.E. Nicole Su, Taiwan’s Ambassador to Saint Lucia, said she hoped the trade show continues to serve as a platform for businesses to connect and develop partnerships. She noted that the increased interest in the trade show clearly demonstrates the ambition of Saint Lucia’s entrepreneurs.
“These companies are here not only to display and sell the very best of their products and to demonstrate their innovation and creativity; furthermore, they are grasping this opportunity to use this platform to further explore trade and partnership opportunities,” she said.
Since arriving in Saint Lucia earlier this year, Ambassador Su admitted that she is always pleasantly surprised and impressed by what Saint Lucia has to offer, including wood carvings, handicrafts, earthenware, plantain and breadfruit chips, cassava cake, cocoa tea, and coffee.
Among the 65 Saint Lucian businesses featured this year were Caribbean Grains Ltd., Ferrands Food Products Ltd., Jewlz Coconut Craft, and Shevyq Spices. The Taiwan Image Area featured products of Taiwan Excellence as well as other products and catalogues from Taiwanese companies. Four Taiwanese companies had their representatives at the trade show, all showcasing expertise in biotechnology, food and beverage, and water treatment solutions.
This year, a Happy Hour Networking Session was introduced at the three-day trade show to bring potential buyers and exhibitors together in a relaxed, cozy setting to chat and explore opportunities. Also, a dedicated B2B Meeting Room facilitated productive business meetings. Another addition to promote local and healthy food featured Chef Orlando hosting the Culinary Competition on the final day of the trade show, Sunday. The competition comprised four Saint Lucian chefs preparing creative and healthy recipes, making the best use of the products and ingredients from the trade show or from the Taiwan Technical Mission’s demonstration farm.
Dr. Ernest Hilaire, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Tourism, explained that the trade show continues to serve as a dynamic platform for local entrepreneurs, artisans and producers to showcase their goods and services alongside cutting-edge Taiwanese products and solutions.
“The Saint Lucia-Taiwan Partnership Trade Show is a core component of this ‘Love Saint Lucia’ programme,” he said. “Its primary function is to increase the market share of domestically-produced goods and services with the support of the Government and people of Taiwan.”
Hon. Dr. Hilaire also underscored Taiwan’s great expertise in crucial sectors of the global economy, noting that Taiwan deserves its rightful place as a full sovereign nation, and that Saint Lucia will continue to embrace the friendship shared between Taiwan and Saint Lucia.
Hon. Emma Hippolyte, Minister for Commerce, explained that for the past 18 years, the trade show has been a nexus between Saint Lucia and Taiwan. She said it stands as a shining example of a partnership built on trust, mutual respect, consistency, and shared success.
“Together, we have not only exchanged products, services and ideas, but strengthened the bridge of friendship between our peoples, creating opportunities that have enriched our economies, and deepened our cultural ties,” she stated.
Hon. Hippolyte recalled being part of a delegation to Taiwan in August, where she paid a courtesy call on the Taiwan Minister for Culture, Mr. Li Yuan, and visiting the awe-inspiring National Centre for Arts and other cultural enterprises. Since that visit, she said the Ministry of Tourism, through the Cultural Development Foundation and the Embassy of the Republic of China (Taiwan), has embarked on an intensive training of local costume builders, designers and artisans to enhance their skills.
In an era of short-lived news cycles characterized by perpetual digital distractions, Hon. Hippolyte acknowledged that talk of sustainability may seem mundane. However, she said sustainability is smart business.
This year’s trade show featured a wide array of goods and services for sale, and was heavily supported by hundreds of patrons who got to sample various treats from the booths, including ice cream, breads and cakes, bubble tea, and other savoury snacks. Junior Soca Queen, Jheanne Divine LeCompte (“Lady J”) from St. Joseph’s Convent, and her team lit up the stage with a spirited performance of “Free Up Fridays” in both English and Mandarin following the opening ceremony. Their dynamic act set the crowd abuzz, as the audience and visiting students joined in chanting “Fridays!” – bringing an infectious burst of youthful energy to the trade show. Other attractions included the rich sound of steel pan and captivating energy of folk dancers, theatrical performances, karaoke, and a fashion show.