October 9, 2007

Taiwan to push for expansion of Paraguayan beef import quota

President Chen Shui-bian said Monday (October 8, 2007) that the government should consider raising the import quota for Paraguayan beef because of its popularity on the local market.

Chen made the remarks while hosting a dinner for visiting Paraguayan President Nicanor Duarte.

Paraguay's beef import quota of 440 tonnes for the year had already been used up in the first four months of the year, he said.

After learning that the last batch of Paraguayan beef was reserved for the Oct. 10 National Day reception, the Presidential Office had to negotiate with the reception's host ministry - the Ministry of Foreign Affairs ¡¡ìC for Paraguayan beef to serve at the welcoming party for Duarte, who was also in Taiwan to mark his birthday.

Chen said he will ask relevant government agencies to look at raising import quota for Paraguayan beef.

Noting that Paraguay would be best beachhead for Taiwanese business community to tap into the market in South America, Chen said the government will continue to encourage them to invest in Paraguay under a co-prosperity programme.

Chen also expressed his gratitude for Duarte's generous support for Taiwan's bid to join the United Nations. The Paraguayan president has consistently spoken up for Taiwan's UN bid at the UN General Assembly annual session in the past years.