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NDC warns ban on Fukushima food could impede CPTPP bid
National Development Council (NDC) Deputy Minister Gao Xian-gui is warning that the ban on import of foodstuffs from Japan's Fukushima Prefecture could impede the government's plans to join the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP).
According to Gao, Tokyo is concerned about the import ban on foodstuffs from areas affected by the 2011 nuclear plant meltdown and Taiwan's entry into the 11-member regional trade bloc will likely be closely related to the issue.
Gao says the government will have to focus heavily on negotiating with Tokyo on the matter.
Although the NDC's deputy minister is stressing that she has not heard any opposition from the trade bloc's member states regarding Taiwan's entry, she is refusing to give a timeframe as to when negotiations for membership will begin.
The comments come as the NDC is reviewing the possible impact that membership in the CPTPP will have on Taiwan.
A report detailing potential problems is expected to be released within a month.
