The recent cross-strait trade pact under which there will be zero tariffs for Taiwan's grouper aquaculture has been a milestone for both China and Taiwan.

Many Taiwanese grouper farmers are planning to widen their ponds. According to industry sources, the fishermen have also expressed a desire to join the productive market.

President, Ma Ying-jeou, had said that in the coming times, Taiwan is likely to become the biggest source of grouper because fish has found a place in the list of goods in Taiwan's "early harvest".

These goods and services will enjoy special tariffs as they will come under economic cooperation framework agreement (ECFA).

Ma was optimistic that the total yearly production cost of grouper will witness a rise. The cost will become TWD7.6 billion (US$237 million).

China has expressed its decision to have more supplies from Taiwan and its demand has been the largest in 20 years. Grouper farmers are expecting that the scope of the product will increase in wake of Government's nod to boats, which transport live grouper straightway to 11 harbours in China's Fujian Province.