COA Minister Chen Chi-chung (third row, second right) joins counterparts from other member economies during the sixth APEC Ministerial Meeting on Food Security Aug. 19. (Courtesy of COA)
Taiwan is committed to working with other Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation members to ensure a sustainable, resilient and transparent food supply chain through accelerated digitalization in the region, according to the Cabinet-level Council of Agriculture Minister Chen Chi-chung Aug. 19.
The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the paramount importance of maintaining food security, Chen said. To this end, the government has spared no effort in establishing digital databases allowing authorities to closely monitor stocks of critical agricultural products and equipment to secure a stable domestic food supply, he added.
The minister called on APEC member economies to share information on food production and distribution and deepen trade cooperation to meet dietary needs in the region.
Chen made the remarks at the sixth APEC Ministerial Meeting on Food Security chaired by New Zealand Minister of Agriculture Damien O’Connor.
Following the virtual meeting, participating agriculture and food ministers issued a joint statement reiterating member economies’ commitment to adopting the APEC Food Security Roadmap Towards 2030.
According to Chen, Taiwan pledges to fully support the roadmap, emphasizing its efforts to minimize food losses and waste while realizing U.N. Sustainable Development Goal 12, which encourages countries to adopt responsible consumption and production patterns. The government is additionally drafting programs to help Taiwan reach carbon neutrality in its agricultural and livestock industries, he said, adding that the country is looking forward to strengthening collaboration with other APEC member economies in related areas to create a sustainable future for all.
Since joining APEC in 1991, Taiwan has made substantial contributions spanning areas such as disaster prevention, food security, information communication technology, small and medium enterprise development, and women’s economic empowerment. (YCH-E)
