TAIWAN-ST.Kitts-Nevis PM optimistic following talks with Taiwan’s major development company

TAIPEI, Taiwan, CMC—St, Kitts-Nevis Prime Minister Dr Terrance Drew has described the “incredibly fruitful” discussions he held with officials of China Engineering Consultants, Inc. (CECI) on Wednesday.

“I am confident that our partnership with CECI will bring significant advancements to our nation’s infrastructure and public services,” said Prime Minister Drew, who is leading an official delegation to Taiwan that ends on Thursday.

“We look forward to collaborating on projects that will drive sustainable development and improve the quality of life for our citizens,” he added.

CECI, established on November 22, 1969, has been pivotal in Taiwan’s infrastructure development. Over the years, the company has introduced foreign technology, established a robust foundation for domestic and global public works, and overcome significant challenges to become one of the world’s leading engineering consulting firms.

According to a statement issued following the talks, the discussions focused on several critical sectors, including renewable energy, climate-smart healthcare, and the development of air and sea ports.

The statement said the talks also explored broader infrastructure initiatives and potential collaborative projects to enhance the partnership between St. Kitts-Nevis and CECI.

It said that Prime Minister Drew and his delegation were presented with a video showcasing CECI’s extensive portfolio and that the presentation highlighted the company’s expertise in road construction, hospital and bridge building, highway development, beach preservation, leisure area renovations, park construction, and mass rapid transit systems.

Additionally, it emphasized CECI’s commitment to green energy buildings and its contributions to global healthcare advancements.

CECI board chairman, Shih Yi-fang, expressed his enthusiasm for strengthening the infrastructure sector in St. Kitts-Nevis and supporting the country’s immediate and future development needs.

“CECI is keen on supporting projects in countries that are allied nations with Taiwan, and St. Kitts and Nevis is one of them,” said Yi-fang.

Meanwhile, Basseterre City and Kaohsiung City have agreed to strengthen ties and foster collaboration to become sister cities.

The sister-city agreement promotes mutual understanding and cooperation across various fields such as culture, education, business, healthcare, and technology. The partnership aims to foster economic growth, cultural exchange, and innovative development by leveraging each city’s strengths.

“This sister city partnership is a significant milestone in our shared journey towards mutual growth and development. It reflects our dedication to fostering closer ties and collaborative efforts across various sectors. We look forward to a future where our cities thrive together, benefiting from each other’s strengths and innovations,” said Mayor Chen.

Prime Minister Drew expressed his enthusiasm for the partnership. He said the agreement, with its specially designed cooperative agenda, “is a testament to our commitment to mutual benefit and targeted exchanges.

“It encompasses a wide range of areas, including smart city development, which is the cornerstone of our sustainable development initiatives, as well as healthcare, agriculture, and tourism,” he added.

The agreement also includes initiatives to enhance healthcare in Basseterre through partnerships with Kaohsiung’s leading medical institutions.

“Establishing the partnership between these two cities symbolizes our unwavering commitment to deepening our people’s bonds and will further strengthen the friendship between Taiwan and Saint Christopher and Nevis. I am confident this sister city partnership will flourish in the coming years,” Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Remus Chen said.