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Basseterre, St. Kitts, February 28, 2019 (SKNIS): The relationship between the Federation of St. Kitts and Nevis and the Republic of China (Taiwan) continues to be strengthened as both countries continue to cooperate on several projects aimed at enhancing technical skills and bonds of friendship.

“We have cooperation projects in almost every field. In terms of technical cooperation, before we told you how to grow the crops via the demonstration farm teaching and showing people how to grow the crops and fruits,” said Resident Ambassador of the Republic of China (Taiwan) to St. Kitts and Nevis, His Excellency Tom Lee, during his appearance on ‘Working for You’ on Wednesday, February 27.

He added that Taiwan is changing its ways in doing things as St. Kitts and Nevis is developing rapidly. One such change is that of the digital age.

“So right now, we are shifting our focus to the highest end and higher technology,” he said, while referencing the work being done to implement a digital Land Registry. “… We are helping to digitalize all the land information and we are also developing the necessary software. I believe when the project is complete probably it will take seconds to find the land information.”

He noted that in terms of agriculture, Taiwan is helping St. Kitts and Nevis to do something different to the usual growing of crops.

“For example, two years ago we surveyed all the farming lands on St. Kitts and in Nevis to find out where it is suitable to grow what. Right now, we are working on something else,” said the ambassador. “We have installed four weather stations to collect agriculture related weather information and also at the same time, we are working to develop crops and seeds in variety which can mitigate global warming.”

St. Kitts and Nevis and the Republic of China (Taiwan) also cooperate on projects in health and education. For example, in 2017, Taiwan, in collaboration with the Ministry of Health launched a one-day training workshop as a summary to the four-week course taught in Taiwan on the prevention and control of chronic kidney disease. Six health professionals from the Federation have taken this course thus far, with more to be trained through 2020. They have also partnered with the Federation to open a Hemodialysis centre at the Joseph N France Hospital to care for patients suffering with Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD). Just last year, Taiwan donated three new machines for use in the centre.

Presently, Taiwan offers two types of scholarships to nationals of St. Kitts and Nevis—the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) and the International Cooperation and Development Fund (ICDF) scholarships. There is also a post graduate four year course in medicine at I-Shou University in Taiwan.