PM Pierre addresses opening of 15th annual Saint Lucia-Taiwan partnership tradeshow

Castries, Saint Lucia: Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre delivered the feature address during the official opening of the 15th annual Saint Lucia-Taiwan Partnership Tradeshow currently underway at the Harbour Club hotel in Rodney Bay, Gros-Islet.

Interest in the annual Tradeshow continues to grow. This year, more than 25 local businesses and another 25 Taiwan-based businesses have been selected to participate in the Tradeshow, which affords them national publicity and international exposure and opportunities to grow their customer base which could also lead to potentially lucrative investment opportunities.

During his address, PM Philip J Pierre noted, “It is an achievement that we are now in the 15th year of Saint Lucia -Taiwan Partnership Trade Show and every year, this jointly sponsored event has been growing from strength to strength. Let me thank the Government of the Republic of China Taiwan and the Ministry of Commerce, Manufacturing, Business Development, Cooperatives and Consumer Affairs for the sponsorship of this event for the last decade and a half.” 

He also congratulated the 25 Saint Lucian companies and the 25 Taiwanese companies who are participating in this year’s exhibition. It is impressive that you have been able to do so for the second time since the COVID 19 Pandemic and despite its negative impact on businesses and trade throughout the world.

Just last month the Parliament passed the Security Interest on Movable Property bill which allows businesses to use movable assets such as vehicles and equipment, accounts receivable, crops and livestock and intellectual property rights to secure loans to help them expand their businesses. 

As PM Pierre said in the Parliamentary debate on the Bill, this is revolutionary legislation as it will give additional access to credit for all sectors but should be of particular benefit to micro and small businesses that do not possess the traditional or classic “real property.”

During this fiscal year, his government will continue to enact measures to improve the enabling environment and strengthen the ease of doing business to support the private sector.