1. Taiwan pledges US$2 million for fisheries upgrade in Pacific countries
 

The Taiwan government has promised to contribute US$2 million over a five-year period to help grow the fishing industries in developing Pacific countries, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) said on December 7^th. The funds will be distributed over a five-year period though the WCPFC, a regional organization of which Taiwan is member, and will be used to implement conservation and management measures; provide financial, scientific, and technological assistance; and help developing member nations upgrade their fishing industries, Greg Lee, deputy head of MOFA's Department of International Organizations, said at a news briefing.

2. Taitung resumes exports of custard apples to China

The first batch of Taitung-grown custard apples is being shipped to China following the end of a Chinese import suspension lasting more than 2 years. Acting Agriculture Minister Chen Junne-jih (陳駿季) said the ministry hopes to sell good-quality fruit to all countries, particularly high-end markets, and will not give up on the Chinese market.

He added that China's decision to resume the imports of custard apples from 25 orchards and three packing plants in Taitung was made without holding negotiations with Taiwan's central authorities as required by a cross-strait agreement involving cooperation on the quarantine and inspection of agricultural produce. He urged Beijing to handle relevant matters through the cooperation agreement platform, instead of talking directly to local governments.