Focus Taiwan
Date: 06/17/2020
By: Wu Po-wei, Yang Su-min, Kuo Chi-hsuan and Chiang Yi-ching

Taipei, June 17 (CNA) The annual output value of Taiwan's fresh pork exports could exceed NT$10 billion (US$334.1 million), with the main markets likely to be Japan and southeast Asian countries, officials said Wednesday, the day the country received a designation that will allow such exports to resume after a 24-year hiatus.

Taiwan and the offshore counties of Penghu and Lianchiang (Matsu islands) were officially named a foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) free zone where vaccination is not practiced on Wednesday, meaning Taiwan can start exporting fresh pork again.

The World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) announced the designation on its website Wednesday, but the news was already revealed by the Taiwan government late Tuesday.

For the past 24 years, Taiwan has been banned from such exports after a FMD outbreak in 1997.    [FULL  STORY]