President Tsai Ing-wen said June 22 that the government is committed to strengthening ties with the democratic world on the back of enhanced trade in food items.
The food sector is an important part of Taiwan’s economy, Tsai said. Politics must not be allowed to disrupt international trade of high-quality items as evidenced by China’s bans on Taiwan groupers and Lithuania rum, she added.
Tsai made the remarks while attending the opening of the Food Taipei Mega Show in northern Taiwan.
Authoritarian attempts to block global food trade can be overcome via enhanced cooperation among democracies, Tsai said. This is evidenced by imports of Taiwan groupers by Japan aquaculture operators and the purchase of Lithuania rum by state-owned Taiwan Tobacco and Liquor Corp., she added.
Tsai also took the opportunity to praise Food Taipei organizers and participants for making the event a regional showcase and spurring innovation throughout related local industries. Such backing assists in creating more value-added business opportunities for Taiwan in the international market, she said.
In a tweet on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ official Twitter account, the MOFA said “2022 Food Taipei is all systems go! @iingwen launched proceedings in fine fashion with assists from Deputy Minister Tseng & Vice Minister Yui. It's great to see #CentralAmerica, #Paraguay & #Eswatini allies joined by other friends in showcasing a selection of sumptuous fare!” (DL-E)
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