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Taiwan Ambassador to St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Fiona Huei-chun Fan, speaking at the 113th Taiwan National Day event in Kingstown on Tuesday, Oct. 8, 2024.
Taiwan Ambassador to St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Fiona Huei-chun Fan, speaking at the 113th Taiwan National Day event in Kingstown on Tuesday, Oct. 8, 2024.
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Taiwan Ambassador to St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Fiona Huei-chun Fan has announced a project for young Vincentian farmers that will incorporate technology and new methods of cultivation.

“This Young Farmers Training Project will equip the next generation with cutting-edge skills in seedling production, high-value crop cultivation, loT (Internet of Things) solutions, and vertical farming, ensuring long-term food security and self-sufficiency,” Fan said on Tuesday.

“As you know, Taiwan is the powerhouse of technology, we will ensure you have access to the latest agricultural technology, and fully participate in the digital revolution,” the diplomat said at a reception in Kingstown to mark Taiwan’s 113th National Day.

She said that since the establishment of Kingstown-Taipei in 1981, the two countries have developed “a robust relationship that has brought mutual growth and prosperity.

“We deeply value your support in international arenas, especially Prime Minister Gonsalves’ impassioned call for Taiwan’s inclusion during the UN General Debate this September was significantly impactful.”

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Fan also expressed gratitude for SVG’s support in Taiwan’s campaign for membership in the United Nations and its specialised agencies, including the World Health Organization, International Civil Aviation Organization, United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change and INTERPOL.

The diplomat also reflected on “the remarkable work we have accomplished together this year…

“One of our proudest achievements has been the construction of the Arnos Vale Acute Care Hospital,” she said of the US$80 million hospital, to be financed by a US$125 million loan from Taiwan.

“Rest assured it will be another shining example following the resounding success of Argyle International Airport, Rabacca Bridge, National Library, etc.”

Fan said construction of the new hospital “represents more than just a significant financial investment, it symbolises hope, progress, and a promise to people. Taiwan is proud to join collectively with financial loans and the construction work.”

She said that OECC, the Taiwanese company that will construct the hospital is famous for employing local workers.

“For this project, 350 local workers are estimated to be joining. We aim to create job opportunities and assist in training skilled labour within St. Vincent and the Grenadines.”

The ambassador said infrastructure development has always been a cornerstone of the SVG-Taiwan partnership adding that OECC has constructed 10 roads under the National Secondary Roads Improvement Programme.

Five more roads will be completed by the end of the year with the project to be completed by the middle of next year.

She also noted that Taiwan has contributed to vital projects such as the Kingstown Port Modernisation Project and the Modern Parliament and Courthouse.

Fan said that after the impact of Hurricane Beryl on July 1, Taiwan stood in solidarity with SVG, providing US$200,000 in aid, 100 tons of rice and relief for dengue outbreaks, etc.

“Looking ahead, Taiwan is committed to contributing more towards hurricane relief efforts and developing a more structured approach to tackling natural disasters.”

She said Taiwan was deeply grateful to SVG for its generous US$40,000 donation to Taipei following the earthquake earlier this year, saying the donation was “a true testament to our strong friendship”.

In the agricultural sector, the SVG-Taiwan collaboration has yielded innovative solutions, transforming local agriculture into a smart, sustainable industry, Fan said.

“We have established five new chilling rooms to extend the shelf life of local produce, boosting profitability and sustainability for Vincentian farmers.

“Our livestock project has doubled the production and quality of goats, sheep, and pigs, with the methods of importing purebred animals, artificial insemination and nutrition formula.”

She further said collaboration in the Public Health Emergency Response System continues to achieve great results.

The diplomat said education remains a key focus of the relationship, noting that Taiwan has provided bursaries to over 11,450 Vincentian students and awarded Taiwan scholarships to 291 Vincentians to study in Taiwan.

“Additionally, over 30 government officials visited Taiwan for capacity-building programmes this year,” she said.

Fan said Taiwan-funded initiatives such as Youth Employment Service, Support for Education and Training, and Offering National Support for Internship Training and Employment (ON-SITE) programme are empowering young Vincentians to meet the challenges of a rapidly changing world.

“Notably, the ON-SITE and PRYME (Promoting Youth Micro Enterprises) Grenadines programme has extended this support to the people of the Grenadines, reflecting our commitment to inclusivity.”

She said that in the field of information and communication technology, Taiwan collaborated on the implementation of 320 CCTV cameras across St. Vincent.

“We are expanding server infrastructure and introducing advanced image recognition technologies to enhance public safety across the nation,” she said.

3 replies on “Taiwan announces Young Farmers Training Project for SVG”

  1. Could the ambassador tell us what was the value of the fish taken from Vincentian waters allocation under the International Law of the Sea Convention for the past five years.

  2. No Taiwanese tourist anywhere in SVG. Taiwan is just feeding SVG scraps so SVG would keep voting for Taiwan in the UN. SVG economy would not improve no matter what Taiwan does for SVG. This latest action will not bear any fruit as usual. But thanks for everything, we are not ungrateful Taiwan.

  3. Our Government giving away money to wealthy Taiwan while people in our country dying to eat a food, can’t find no work etc…

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