By Admin. Updated 5:41 p.m., Sunday, August 9, 2026, Atlantic Standard Time (GMT-4).
Prime Minister Dr Godwin Friday has departed St Vincent and the Grenadines for an official visit to Taiwan, describing the trip as an opportunity to strengthen the long-standing partnership between the two countries while pursuing new avenues for investment, economic cooperation and job creation.
In a statement posted by the Office of the Prime Minister ahead of his departure, Dr Friday said the week-long visit would focus on deepening bilateral ties and advancing opportunities that could benefit Vincentians.
“This year marks 45 years of diplomatic relations between Saint Vincent and the Grenadines and Taiwan,” the Prime Minister said. “We will celebrate that important milestone, but our focus is also very much on the future, particularly investment, economic cooperation and areas that can support growth and job creation at home.”
The visit comes as St Vincent and the Grenadines prepares to commemorate 45 years of diplomatic relations with Taiwan, a partnership formally established on 15 August 1981. Over the decades, Taiwan has supported projects across several sectors, including agriculture, healthcare, education, infrastructure, and national development.
Accompanying the Prime Minister are Attorney General Hon. Louise Mitchell, Minister of Foreign Affairs Hon. Dwight Fitzgerald Bramble, Ambassador for Finance, Climate and Investment Kevin Hope, and other members of the official delegation. Taiwan’s Ambassador to St Vincent and the Grenadines, H.E. Fiona Fan, is also travelling with the delegation.
The visit follows repeated assurances from the Government that it remains committed to its diplomatic relationship with Taiwan. Earlier this year, Foreign Affairs Minister Dwight Fitzgerald Bramble told Parliament that St Vincent and the Grenadines intended to maintain the partnership and participate in activities marking the 45th anniversary of diplomatic relations.
The sentiments are in stark contrast to the New Democratic Party’s campaign utterances and public statements over the years to switch diplomatic relations from Taiwan to mainland China.
Taiwan has also reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening cooperation with St Vincent and the Grenadines. In recent months, senior Vincentian officials, including Deputy Prime Minister Major St Clair Leacock, have travelled to Taipei for discussions on expanding collaboration in areas of mutual interest.
Reflecting on the significance of the latest visit, Dr Friday said he was honoured to represent the country.
“We have important work ahead, and I am proud to represent St Vincent and the Grenadines,” the Prime Minister said.
The official engagements are expected to include discussions aimed at expanding economic cooperation, encouraging investment and identifying initiatives that can contribute to sustainable growth and employment opportunities in St Vincent and the Grenadines.
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