October 26, 2007

Lack of UN membership affecting Taiwan's farm and fishery sector

Lack of UN membership has slowed the development of Taiwan's agricultural and fishery sectors, a legislator said at a news conference Thursday (October 25, 2007).

DPP Legislator Wu Ming-min called on the government and people at a news conference to support efforts to seek membership of the United Nations under the name Taiwan, claiming that the lack of UN membership has barred Taiwan's agricultural and fishery products from entering the world market.

Wu said Taiwan's agricultural products, including eels, have been successful in the world market because of their quality. Unfortunately, producers are unable to claim a stake on the world stage due to it being excluded from UN membership.

Also speaking at the news conference, Chang Ching-jung, executive director of the Farmers' Association in Tashu, in southern Kaohsiung County, said the fact that Taiwan is excluded from the UN also affected Taiwan's agricultural products from being sold worldwide.

Chen You-ching, executive director of the Taiwan Provincial Fishermen's Association, said Taiwan despite having a world-class fishery industry was banned from having a representation in international fishery organisations and had its catches unfairly restricted as a result.

China vigorously opposes Taiwan's efforts at seeking UN membership.