President Ma Ying-jeou of the Republic of China (Taiwan) led a delegation to make a state visit to St. Vincent and the Grenadines on August 17, 2013. He arrived at the E.T. Joshua Airport shortly after 8:30 AM and was warmly greeted by Governor General Sir Frederick Ballantyne, Dr. the Hon. Prime Minister Ralph Gonsalves, Leader of the Opposition Hon. Arnhim Eustace and other members of Cabinet.

Governor General Sir Frederick Ballantyne held a grand welcome ceremony at the Airport, where President Ma mounted to the inspection platform and the Royal St. Vincent and Grenadines Police Force Band played the national anthems of the two countries and fired 21 gun salutes. President Ma, accompanied by Governor General Sir Frederick Ballantyne inspected the guards of honor.

After the welcome ceremony, President Ma, along with his delegation, journeyed to the Botanical Garden to plant a wax apple tree, a fruit introduced to St. Vincent and the Grenadines by Taiwanese agriculturalists years ago. President Ma was then received by Sir Frederick Ballantyne at the Government House for a brief meeting.