She delivered the remarks Thursday at the opening of the 18th Annual Saint Lucia–Taiwan Partnership Trade Show.
Minister Hippolyte noted that the nearly two-decade collaboration has strengthened trade, cultural exchange, and enterprise development across both nations.
“For eighteen years, almost a generation, this nexus between Saint Lucia and Taiwan has stood as a shining example of a partnership built on trust,” she said. “Together, we have not only exchanged products, services and ideas, but strengthened the bridge of friendship between our peoples.”
She highlighted recent cultural collaboration following a delegation visit to Taiwan earlier this year, where she toured the National Kaohsiung Centre for the Arts and Luminous Vibe Enterprise. The visit resulted in specialized training programs now underway in Saint Lucia for carnival costume designers and artisans.
“This knowledge-sharing helps preserve innovative artistic techniques and traditions for future generations, ensuring cultural viability and economic sustainability,” Hippolyte said.
The minister emphasized that sustainability must guide business decisions, asserting that long-term resilience matters more than short-term gains.
“In an era of constant distraction, talk of sustainability may seem mundane. But sustainability is smart business,” she said. She pointed to local manufacturers who have already adopted solar energy and waste-reduction practices as examples of resilience and competitiveness in global markets.
Hippolyte added that sustainable operations enhance brand reputation, reduce costs, and improve access to international financing, benefits that position Saint Lucian enterprises for long-term success.
But she stressed that sustainability is not the job of business owners alone.
“Each of us, as consumers, wields tremendous power through our choices,” the minister said. “Every purchase is a statement.”
As Saint Lucia and Taiwan mark 18 years of cooperation under the partnership trade program, Minister Hippolyte urged continued commitment to enterprises that “thrive without depleting the very resources that sustain them.”
“Profit and purpose are not rivals,” she concluded. “They are partners in progress.”
The trade show continues throughout the weekend at the Pavilion in Rodney Bay.