Six-tonne consignment of mangoes, lychees and dragon fruit is bound for Paris, signalling start of effort to boost exports to Europe
Taiwan has sent its first major shipment of fruits including mangoes, lychees, and dragon fruit to Europe, reports the Taipei Times.
The six-tonne consignment departed Pingtung County in southern Taiwan on 1 June and is set to arrive at Rungis wholesale market in Paris, France, according to exporter Nature House.
Minister of Agriculture Chen Junne-jih, who attended a special ceremony to mark the occasion, was reported as saying that it marked the start of a more deliberate effort to increase exports to Europe.
In February, Taiwan’s Representative Office in the EU and Belgium said the Plant Health Unit of the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Health and Food Safety had approved the export of Taiwan-produced dragon fruit, jujubes, and lychees to the EU market.
“This marks another significant milestone in bilateral agricultural trade, following the successful entry of Taiwanese guavas and mangoes into the EU market last June,” it said.
“This EU market opening not only demonstrates the competitiveness of Taiwan’s premium fresh fruits but also underscores the international recognition of our nation’s robust animal and plant quarantine capabilities.
“The Animal and Plant Health Inspection Agency urges exporters to ensure that orchard and packing facilities carefully inspect and select fruit prior to shipment.
“Beyond supplying high-quality produce, it is essential to verify that the goods are free from quarantine pests of concern to EU countries to facilitate smooth customs clearance.”
