Will Taiwan Provide $3 Million in Aid? St. Vincent PM Announces Two Grants After Taiwan Visit, MOFA Clarifies: Not Yet Finalized

Godwin Friday, Prime Minister of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, a Caribbean ally, recently led a delegation on a five-day state visit to Taiwan at the invitation of the Taiwanese government. After returning home, he announced that Taiwan had committed at least $2 million (approximately NT$63.77 million) in grant funding to help establish a National Development Bank, along with another annual grant of $1 million (approximately NT$31.88 million) to support vulnerable populations. However, Taiwan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) responded today (25th), stating that the relevant plans are still under ongoing discussion and have not yet been finalized.

Following St. Vincent's parliamentary elections in November 2025, a new government was formed, with the New Democratic Party (NDP), which had previously proposed ending diplomatic ties with Taiwan in favor of Beijing, winning the election and forming the cabinet. Nevertheless, after NDP leader Godwin Friday assumed the premiership, the country's newly appointed ambassador to Taiwan, Kenton Chance, formally presented his credentials in May 2026. Additionally, Mr. and Mrs. Friday were invited by the Taiwanese government for an official state visit from August 11 to 15, marking Mr. Friday's first overseas state visit since taking office, underscoring his emphasis on Taiwan relations.

During his five-day visit, Prime Minister Friday met with President Lai Qing-te, attended a banquet hosted by Foreign Minister Joseph Wu, presided over a reception celebrating the 45th anniversary of Taiwan–St. Vincent diplomatic relations, visited smart healthcare and blue economy-related facilities, attended an investment opportunity briefing session, and engaged with Taiwanese-based students and overseas nationals from St. Vincent. According to recent reports by local media outlets such as the St. Vincent Times, after returning home, Prime Minister Friday held a press conference announcing that the Taiwanese government had pledged at least $2 million in grant funding, along with an annual $1 million grant. The former is intended to support the establishment of a national development bank, while the latter will fund social and community empowerment programs targeting women, youth, and other vulnerable groups.

Hsiao Kuang-wei: Broad Exchanges Held During Visit

However, during today's morning press briefing, MOFA spokesperson Hsiao Kuang-wei responded to media inquiries about the two grants announced by Prime Minister Friday after his return. He stated that during the visit, both sides held extensive discussions on St. Vincent's future development direction and deepening bilateral cooperation. Taiwan and St. Vincent have long maintained numerous cooperation programs in agriculture, healthcare, education, infrastructure, and social development, jointly planned and implemented based on local development needs and public welfare.

Hsiao pointed out that regarding the national development bank and the social program grants mentioned by the media, 'These projects, whether cooperation plans or implementation items, are still under ongoing discussion, so they have not yet been finalized.' He emphasized that Taiwan and St. Vincent share universal values such as democracy, freedom, human rights, and the rule of law. Since establishing diplomatic relations in 1981, the two countries have enjoyed close and friendly ties, with fruitful cooperation outcomes. Prime Minister Friday's decision to lead a delegation to Taiwan on the 45th anniversary of bilateral relations further demonstrates his commitment to the bilateral partnership.

Hsiao also stated that Taiwan and St. Vincent will continue to hold in-depth discussions on development projects needed by St. Vincent. The Taiwanese government will continue to promote concrete cooperation initiatives within its capacity, integrating government and private resources, guided by the principles of pragmatism, mutual benefit, and sustainable development, in alignment with St. Vincent's policy agenda. It is hoped that these efforts will further strengthen the cooperative relationship between Taiwan and St. Vincent.