January 10, 2012

Collaboration on the area of agriculture and fish and shrimp farming is anticipated between Taipei Economic and Cultural Office of Taiwan and with its Ministry of Agriculture.

Its deputy representative (Economic Affairs) in Malaysia, Lin Min Li said Malaysia was free from natural disasters and its weather was good for agriculture products such as rice, fruits, vegetables and fish.

"For our part, we can supply a technology which is special for agriculture products while from the Malaysia side, you can supply land and human capital," he told Bernama today after the launch of "Ponkan and Persimmon from Taichung City, Taiwan" here Saturday.

Lin said some private companies have shown interest in the area of fish and shrimp farming but needed the government support especially in the area of land incentives, land availability and human capital.

"We hope the Malaysian government would sign a memorandum of understanding on agriculture cooperation with Taiwan Agriculture Department soon," he added.

Meanwhile on bilateral trade between Malaysia and Taiwan, he said as of last year, the trade value between both countries had reached US$15.5 billion from US$13.6 billion in 2010.

"This year we hope to reach US$16 billion," he said, adding that Malaysia was Taiwan's number eighth largest trade partner.

Export of fresh fruits to Malaysia increased to US$1 million last year from US$800,000 in 2010 while export of processed fruits rose to US$145 million last year from US$135 million in 2010.

"This year we hope export of fresh fruits to reach more than US$1 million while export of processed fruits to reach US$160 million, supported by abundant fruits harvested in Taiwan," Lin added.

On the event, Lin said: "The demand for Taiwanese ponkan to Malaysia this year has been overwhelming and is testament to the success of our aggressive promotion campaign over the years and the affirmation of the quality of our products from Malaysian consumers." Meanwhile, Taichung City Government Agriculture Bureau director-general Tsai Chin Chiang said the bureau planned to bring in Taiwanese lychee and pear to the local market in July.