January 21, 2014

Taiwan approves more Canadian beef imports

Beginning February 2014, Taiwan will allow imports of Canadian bone-in-beef and beef products from cattle less than 30 months of age, according to the country's (ROC) Ministry of Economic Affairs (MOEA).

"The decision is made in full compliance with the regulations of the World Organisation for Animal Health, and is not expected to cause any food safety issues in Taiwan," said MOEA Deputy Minister, Kuo-hsin Liang.

"It will also offer more choices to consumers and leave Taiwan's beef industry unaffected as locally supplied products account for only 6% of the market, which comprises mainly imports from Australia, New Zealand and the US," Liang said.

In 2007, Taiwan began permitting imports of boneless beef and beef products from Canada, according to MOEA. The latest move is part of government efforts to bring Taiwan's trade regulations and economic framework more in line with the rest of the world while creating the necessary conditions for Trans-Pacific Partnership accession.

"As major trading partners, Taiwan and Canada attach great importance to the bilateral relationship," Liang said, citing Ottawa's decision to grant ROC citizens visa-waiver treatment and working holiday visas in 2010, as well as concluding a customs cooperation agreement in 2012 and an aviation pact in 2013.

The deputy minister said amendments to favourable tariff treatment approved by the Canadian government last year, set to take effect in 2015, will help ensure a level playing field for Taiwan firms against their rivals from South Korea and mainland China.

According to the ministry, Taiwan and Canada are also closer to signing a double taxation agreement aimed at forging a more favourable investment environment for businesses from both countries. The MOEA hopes to see both sides open negotiations on a bilateral investment agreement this year, paving the way toward providing greater investor protection and spurring investment.