Japan’s representative to Taiwan is calling on Taiwan to lift its ban on food imports from certain regions of Japan.
Since March 2011, Taiwan has banned the importation of food products made in parts of Japan affected by the Fukushima nuclear disaster. The ban covers food products from five Japanese prefectures. It has been a continuing source of trade friction between Japan and Taiwan ever since.
Japan’s representative to Taiwan, Mitsuo Ohashi, urged Taiwanese authorities to reconsider the ban on Tuesday. He was speaking at the opening ceremony of Taiwan and Japan’s annual economic and trade talks, which are taking place via video conferencing this year.
Ohashi says Taiwan should follow the example of the United States and European Union, and handle the issue of imports in accordance with scientific evidence and international standards.
The issue of food imports could affect Taiwan’s bid to join the CPTPP, a multinational trade agreement. Japan has already signed the agreement and has the power to veto new entries, as do all participating countries.