Saint Lucia’s agricultural sector is set for renewed momentum as the Government of Saint Lucia and the Government of Indonesia reaffirmed their commitment to deepening bilateral cooperation.
The pledge was made during a high-level meeting in Castries, where both delegations reviewed progress and outlined priority areas for continued partnership.
The discussions highlighted work already completed under the joint agricultural roadmap.
This includes assessments carried out by the Indonesian delegation, which examined opportunities to modernize coconut processing, upgrade equipment, and expand the acreage of coconut varieties suitable for oil production. Future collaboration is also expected to include mango, breadfruit, and other priority fruit processing beginning in 2026.
Director of Agricultural Services, Kemuel Jn Baptiste, said the meeting provided clear confirmation of shared goals.
According to him, “this morning’s conversation was an affirmation, a confirmation of what is entailed in the roadmap.” He explained that the discussions focused on Saint Lucia’s commitment to providing staffing and other forms of assistance, while Indonesia will continue to supply technical support and resources. Jn Baptiste said the partnership involves “supporting through staff support and other support and the Indonesian government looking at providing a support in terms of plants and equipment.”
Representatives from Indonesia expressed strong confidence in the partnership and emphasized its strategic value. Indonesian team representative Henry Laksono noted the significance of working closely with Saint Lucia despite the geographical distance.
He said, “as an overview, we are here to expand our cooperation with Saint Lucia and of course Saint Lucia has become our priority partner in the Caribbean.” Laksono added that “although we are 18,000 kilometers away, but of course as similarly developing nations, we must work together and collaborate.”
Both governments reaffirmed their intention to advance agricultural modernisation, increase production capacity, and boost value added opportunities for farmers as the partnership continues to deepen.