TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Saint Lucia recently welcomed a delegation of 14 Taiwanese investors who obtained citizenship through its Citizenship Investment Programme (CIP) to learn more about what the Caribbean nation has to offer.  

The group was invited by Saint Lucia Deputy Prime Minister and Tourism Minister Ernest Hilaire to witness first-hand the country’s growing economy and rich culture, according to the Saint Lucia Embassy in Taiwan.

Saint Lucia, one of Taiwan's three Caribbean diplomatic allies, launched the CIP program in 2015. It offers a pathway to citizenship to those who invest in a qualified fund, bond, or project.

Over five days, Invest Saint Lucia, the government agency responsible for promoting business and investment activities in Saint Lucia, introduced the investors to opportunities in key industries such as tourism and global business outsourcing.

Saint Lucia Ambassador to Taiwan Robert K. Lewis said he was glad the event was such a success. “I hope this business visit will not only promote economic cooperation but also deepen the relationship between the two peoples and inject new vitality into the friendship between Saint Lucia and Taiwan," Lewis said.

He added that it was “heartening and deeply touching” to see the investors so excited about business opportunities in Saint Lucia.

In February, Saint Lucia Minister of Commerce Emma Hippolyte led a delegation to Taiwan to boost bilateral trade and investment. Hippolyte met with officials from the Ministry of Digital Affairs and Taiwan External Trade Development Council, as well as Vice Foreign Minister Remus Chen (陳立國). 

Taiwan provided US$3.9 million (NT$126.9 million) in grant funding to Saint Lucia in November 2023 to support eight bilateral cooperation projects ranging from solar power to facility refurbishment.