Vice President Chen Chien-jen says that the success of Taiwan’s fishing industry has raised Taiwan’s visibility in the world.
Chen was speaking Saturday at an awards ceremony for exemplary fishermen. Chen said that during his time on the former National Science Council, he saw scholars coming from overseas to learn from Taiwan’s progress in aquaculture.
Chen also spoke about the fishing industry’s importance to Taiwan’s economy. He said the industry produces 1.29 million tons of fish a year, worth NT$100 billion (US$3 billion). He also said that fishing drives other industries, including shipbuilding, refrigeration, food processing, and shipping.
In July, Taiwan amended its fisheries laws amid pressure from the European Commission. Chen said that these changes to the law show the government’s determination to combat illegal fishing. Chen also said that the launch of plan to set up a fisheries demonstration zone will combine government and academic resources and help restore stocks of native fish. Chen said the government will continue supporting the coast guard’s plan to build more ships, raising its ability to protect Taiwanese fishermen.