Taiwan is committed to expanding agricultural cooperation with India across such fields as business development, mutually beneficial trade and sustainable farming practices, Vice President Chen Chien-jen said May 9.
According to Chen, the two sides have achieved notable progress in these areas since the signing of a memorandum of understanding on agricultural collaboration in 2016. Under the pact, a consultation meeting was staged in New Delhi last July exploring topics including aquaculture, market access, policymaking and technology exchanges.
The establishment of new cooperation models in related sectors will unlock significant opportunities for Taiwan and Indian enterprises, he said, adding that they are also in line with the New Southbound Policy.
A key plank in the government’s national development strategy, the initiative seeks to deepen agricultural, business, cultural, education, tourism and trade ties with the 10 Association of Southeast Asian Nation member states, six South Asian countries, Australia and New Zealand.
Chen made the comments while receiving Indian agricultural scholar, environmental campaigner and gender equality activist Vandana Shiva at the Office of the President in Taipei City. She is scheduled to deliver the keynote speech at the 2018 Asia-Pacific Society for Agricultural and Food Ethics conference running May 10-12 at National Taiwan University.
According to the vice president, Taiwan faces significant challenges in environmental protection and food security resulting from climate change and natural disasters. To counter these threats, the government is strengthening the nation’s resilience to extreme weather events and maintaining its rich biodiversity by promoting a new paradigm for agricultural development embracing smart technologies.
Talent cultivation forms a central facet of these measures, Chen said, adding that the government is working to train the next generation of farmers in the latest agricultural practices and technologies so as to bolster domestic food production and move toward self-sufficiency.
Noting Shiva first visited Taiwan eight years ago, Chen expressed his hope that she would continue serving as a bridge between the people of both sides. (CPY-E)
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