Celebrating the 115th National Day of the Republic of China (Taiwan) and 45 years of diplomatic solidarity with St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Taiwan’s Resident Ambassador, Her Excellency Fiona Fan, reaffirmed her nation’s commitment to global peace, technological innovation, and bilateral partnership.
During her keynote address, Ambassador Fan announced that the government of Taiwan is contributing US $100,000 in contingency relief assistance to support immediate recovery efforts following severe flooding and damage caused by a recent tropical wave in St. Vincent and the Grenadines.
Ambassador Fan officially presented the relief contribution check to Prime Minister Dr. Godwin Friday and Minister of Foreign Affairs Fitzgerald Bramble during the reception.
Tracing Taiwan’s transformation from authoritarianism to a thriving democracy since its founding 115 years ago by Dr. Sun Yat-sen as Asia’s first democratic republic, Ambassador Fan noted that Taiwan earned a score of 93 for political rights and civil liberties in Freedom House’s global index.
Addressing regional security challenges, Ambassador Fan emphasized that cross-strait peace and stability remain a matter of global consensus, noting that roughly 50% of the world’s container ships pass through the Taiwan Strait. She cited recent statements by G7 nations opposing any unilateral attempts to alter the status quo through force or coercion.
“Neither the ROC Taiwan nor the People’s Republic of China is subordinate to the other,” Ambassador Fan declared, adding that Taiwan’s sovereignty rests strictly with its people and that the Chinese Communist Party regime holds no right to represent Taiwan internationally.
Ambassador Fan outlined Taiwan’s economic strengths, highlighting its pivotal role in the global supply chain:
Semiconductor & AI Dominance: Taiwanese manufacturers produce more than 90% of the world’s most advanced chips and assemble over 90% of global AI servers.
Economic Indicators: Taiwan achieved 4th place in the IMD World Competitiveness Ranking, with GDP per capita expected to reach US $45,000, annual economic growth forecast at a 39-year high of 11.05%, and foreign exchange reserves topping US $594 billion.
Ambassador Fan detailed several joint initiatives transforming infrastructure, healthcare, security, and agriculture across SVG:
Agriculture & Livestock: The Young Farmers Program trained 75 young Vincensians in smart plant factories and IoT environmental controls, while livestock projects doubled local pig production through purebred animals and artificial insemination.
Major Infrastructure: Taiwan continues its technical and financial support for signature national projects, including the Rabacca Bridge, Argyle International Airport, the Kingstown Port Modernization Project, and the Acute Care Hospital at Arnos Vale.
Digital Healthcare & Safety: A comprehensive Health Information System has digitized medical records across national facilities, including Port Elizabeth Hospital in Bequia and Celena Allen Hospital in Union Island. Additionally, 330 CCTV cameras equipped with high-tech image recognition software have been installed at police stations to combat crime.
Education & Youth: Over the past two decades, the Taiwan Bursary Program has assisted 12,500 young Vincensians, while 357 students have received full scholarships to study at Taiwanese universities.
Ambassador Fan concluded by expressing deep appreciation to St. Vincent and the Grenadines for advocating for Taiwan’s participation in international bodies—including the World Health Organization (WHO), UNFCCC, ICAO, and Interpol—and specifically thanked Prime Minister Dr. Godwin Friday for affirming Taiwan’s rightful global position during his address at the United Nations General Assembly in September.
