January 16, 2007

Taiwan plans to lift ban on Canadian beef

Taiwan President Chen Shui-bian announced on Monday, Jan 15 his decision to resume imports of Canadian beef and urged Canada to grant visa-exempt entry to Taiwan visitors.

Taiwanese health minister would lead an experts' delegation to Canada at the end of this month to inspect the beef market and examine export measures, Chen added.

Taiwan used to be the fifth-largest export market for Canadian beef with annual imports worth CAD 20 million (US$17.78 million).

Taiwan banned the import of Canadian beef after Canada reported a case of mad cow disease in May 2003.

In return, Taiwan wants Canada to grant visa-free entry to Taiwan visitors considering Taiwan is Canada's no. 7 source of tourists and foreign students.