2024-1-23

On December 18, Vice President Lai Ching-te met a delegation from the 2023 international and agricultural youth ambassador exchange programs. Lai praised the young ambassadors for their contributions and efforts in raising Taiwan's international profile and demonstrating the passion of Taiwanese youths. He encouraged young people to go overseas to understand the characteristics, strong points, and competitive advantages of other countries. The vice president also said he hoped that Taiwan would continue to work with other countries in promoting agriculture and assisting young entrepreneurship to deepen exchanges with diplomatic allies and other countries in the Indo-Pacific.

Lai noted that Saint Lucia was an important ally and strong supporter of Taiwan in the Caribbean. The two countries shared the universal values of democracy, freedom, and human rights. He pointed out that Saint Lucia's prime minister expressed firm support for Taiwan on his visit to the country and pledged to continue to speak up for Taiwan on the international stage. Lai went on to say that Taiwan’s ministries of agriculture, economics, and other relevant agencies are working on multiple programs with Saint Lucia, successfully creating win-win situations. He said he believed future cooperation would be even closer. 

This year's International Youth Ambassador Exchange Program was held in cooperation with Saint Lucia. The group filmed a video on the Piton mountains to promote tourism on the island and took part in a youth forum organized by Saint Lucia to share startup experiences. Lai said he expected the two countries to continue exchanges and cooperation in the future that would assist young people in starting their own businesses and pursuing their dreams. 

In a significant development this year, groups of young agricultural ambassadors went to the Philippines and Indonesia. The trips were in response to climate change and food security, which have become issues of international concern. The Indo-Pacific region has many internationally important sources of food. If agricultural exchanges and cooperation with Indo-Pacific countries can continue, this will be very important to Taiwan's development, said Lai.

Looking ahead, the vice president expressed hope that the young international and agricultural ambassador programs would engage in closer cooperation with countries in the Indo-Pacific.