Agriculture Minister Chen Bao-ji has called for Taiwan to open its agricultural market in the face of global trade liberalization.
During a press conference on Thursday, Chen said that Taiwan has competitive agricultural products. He said that Taiwan’s agriculture sector will suffer if the country does not adapt to free trade.
"Joining trade agreements will bring us many opportunities in the areas of agriculture. For example, edamame from Thailand and Mainland China are tariff-free in Japan. But in Japan, our edamame are subject to a 6% tariff. And our orchids are subject to a 12% tariff in Mainland China," Chen said. "If we join trade agreements, our products will be tariff-free and very competitive. If you don’t adapt your industries as the outside environment changes, of course you will get hurt."
In addition to its efforts to join trade agreements such as the TPP and RCEP, Taiwan is negotiating with China on a cross-strait trade in goods agreement. During the press conference, Chen was asked if the government will repeal a ban on the import of 830 Chinese agricultural products. Chen said that it is still too early to tell whether the ban will be lifted.
Chen said that during trade negotiations, both sides must always make concessions. However, Chen also said that the government will ensure that any trade negotiation it signs will be beneficial to Taiwan.