Tsai vows to expedite Taiwan’s agricultural transformation, boost exports

2021/09/10

President Tsai Ing-wen said Sept. 8 that the government is committed to safeguarding farmers’ welfare and fast-tracking Taiwan’s agricultural transformation while creating more export opportunities for sector participants countrywide.
 
Measures aimed at advancing the well-being of Taiwan’s growers are paying dividends, Tsai said. This is evidenced by expanded insurance coverage for crop losses due to natural disasters, as well as broad adoption of health insurance and occupational hazard benefits specifically designed for farm workers, she added.
 
Such policies are complemented by an agricultural pension system launched in January and ongoing preferential loans encouraging younger generations to join the sector, she said.
 
Tsai made the remarks while delivering a prerecorded address at an agricultural finance seminar staged by Agricultural Bank of Taiwan in Taipei City.
 
According to Tsai, no effort has been spared in encouraging development of the country’s agricultural supply chains. Such investments are expected to expedite the industry’s digitalization while bolstering the circular economy, she said.
 
Tsai additionally said the government will continue working with Taiwan expatriates and overseas business operators to generate more export opportunities for farmers around the country.

The circular economy and new paradigm for agricultural development are targeted under the government’s five-plus-two innovative industries plan, which also includes the biotech and pharmaceuticals, green energy, national defense, smart machinery and Internet of Things sectors.


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