The Executive Yuan passed an action plan June 3 aimed at promoting Taiwan’s gourmet food to the world.
According to the plan, which is expected to provide a boost to the local tourism industry, the government will invest NT$1.1 billion (US$34.08 million) from 2010 to 2013, in an attempt to help Taiwan’s food service sector extend its reach into international markets. A task force, to be led by Deputy Minister of Economic Affairs Liang Kuo-hsin, will be set up to implement the plan.
Among the various measures proposed, the government will set up a culinary think tank, create a set of standards of names and terms of Taiwanese dishes and help local chefs participate in international culinary competitions.
Other promotional campaigns include hosting international gourmet festivals, introducing local restaurants to major overseas shopping malls and department stores and marketing Taiwan’s fine delicacies through advertising campaigns.
The plan is expected to attract NT$2 billion in private investments, help local businesses set up 3,500 restaurants both in Taiwan and overseas, create 50 international brands and generate 10,000 jobs.
Premier Wu Den-yih instructed the Cabinet-level Overseas Compatriot Affairs Commission to offer financial support to relevant projects through the Overseas Credit Guarantee Fund. Wu also called on ministries, local governments and the private sector to pool their resources toward this goal.
According to MOEA statistics, as of yearend 2009 there were more than 98,000 restaurants and diners on the island that employed 693,000 workers and generated an output of NT$321.8 billon. (SFC-HZW)