Local public and private sector organizations have unveiled a series of measures designed to add fresh momentum to Taiwan’s agricultural sector and boost ties with Southeast Asia in line with the New Southbound Policy.
The government-supported Agricultural Technology Research Institute has recently signed cooperation agreements with eight Taiwan business groups in Association of Southeast Asian Nations member states.
ATRI concluded memorandums of understanding on fostering cooperation in technology transfers and industrialization with the Taipei City-headquartered Asia Taiwanese Chambers of Commerce (ASTCC) as well as Taiwan business associations in Brunei, Cambodia and Laos Dec. 3 in Ho Chi Minh City.
Since September, the research institute based in northern Taiwan’s Hsinchu City has also inked similar pacts with Taiwan business groups in Malaysia, Singapore, the Philippines, Thailand and Vietnam.
James C. F. Huang, director-general of the New Southbound Policy Office under the Office of the President, said at the signing ceremony in Ho Chi Minh City that the memorandums represent a crucial step forward in efforts to strengthen agricultural cooperation with the region, a major focus of the initiative.
A central plank in Taiwan’s national development strategy, the New Southbound Policy seeks to deepen agricultural, cultural, education, tourism and trade links with ASEAN member states, South Asia, Australia and New Zealand.
Meanwhile, the administration of President Tsai Ing-wen has launched new export promotion measures aimed at revitalizing Taiwan’s agricultural sector. On Dec. 5, the Cabinet-level Council of Agriculture established the Taiwan International Agricultural Development Co. with the goals of promoting local produce overseas and exporting industry expertise.
“Taiwan’s world-leading agricultural technologies serve as an important avenue for strengthening relations with international partners,” Premier Lin Chuan said at a news conference for the establishment of the marketing company. “Hopefully, this firm can help create a national brand for local products and attract more young people to the agricultural sector.”
According to the COA, the new enterprise aims to advance the sustainable development of the sector and reduce the impacts of trade liberalization. Its missions include aiding local firms in enhancing their export competitiveness, restructuring domestic production and distribution systems, and expanding the nation’s presence in the target markets listed under the New Southbound Policy. (KH-E)
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