President Tsai pledges support for Taiwan pineapple growers

2021/03/03

President Tsai Ing-wen pledged Feb. 28 to support Taiwan pineapple growers following a surprise ban on imports of the local fruit by China, underscoring the government’s commitment to diversifying the country’s export market.

The ban is a violation of international trade rules, Tsai said, adding that she has instructed the Cabinet-level Council of Agriculture to make safeguarding farmers’ income a top priority.

Tsai made the remarks during a promotional event in the southern city of Kaohsiung aimed at boosting domestic pineapple consumption.

According to the president, the import ban presents an opportunity for the country to expand its export market. The government will leave no stone unturned in exploring different channels and mechanisms to increase international distribution to countries and regions such as Australia, Canada, Japan, Korea, Singapore and the Middle East, she added.

The government has approved a NT$1 billion (US$35.33 million) package to stimulate pineapple sales in domestic and international markets while stabilizing prices. COA-backed plans to subsidize purchases of the fruit by food processing companies are also underway.


Source: Taiwan Today (https://taiwantoday.tw/index.php)