UK, Taiwan Sign Organics Equivalence Memorandum
In a landmark move to bolster UK-Taiwan trade relations, an Organics Equivalence Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) has been signed, opening doors for organic products to freely access each other’s markets. This pivotal agreement was reached virtually on May 22, 2024, by John Dennis, representing the British Office Taipei, and Vincent Chin-Hsiang Yao, from the Taipei Representative Office in the UK.
The MoU marks the initial stage in the mutual recognition of organic standards by the UK and Taiwan, specifically focusing on organic processed foods derived from crops and/or livestock ingredients. This strategic partnership is expected to not only enhance sustainable practices and rural development but also invigorate the commercial sector of organic products.
Lord Faulkner of Worcester, the UK Prime Minister’s Trade Envoy to Taiwan, during his visit to Taipei, expressed his enthusiasm about the growing UK-Taiwan relationship. He highlighted the increasing significance of organic production for both sustainability and the vibrant commercial sector it represents, with the UK organic market now exceeding £3 billion in value, the highest level ever recorded.
John Dennis emphasized the MoU as a significant milestone for UK-Taiwan trade relations, resulting from years of joint efforts. He pointed to Taiwan’s renowned food and drinks industry and the growing popularity of British food and drinks in Taiwan, including the likes of British organic biscuits, oatmeal, and tea. Dennis underscored the MoU’s role in introducing a wider range of excellent British organic products to Taiwanese consumers.
Vincent Chin-Hsiang Yao reflected on the progress made since the signing of the ETP agreement in November 2023, asserting that the MoU would not only foster business opportunities but also enhance consumer choice in organic products. He highlighted the UK as a key agriculture product source for Taiwan, marking it as the eighth largest import source and the most significant one from Europe.
Rickie Jennings, the Regional Agriculture Counsellor at the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs, lauded the MoU for enabling UK farmers practicing organic farming to market their produce’s organic nature effectively. Jennings anticipates a diverse range of UK organic products, from dairy to snacks, making their way to Taiwanese supermarket shelves.
Jong-I Hu, Deputy Minister of the Ministry of Agriculture, expressed optimism about the MOU making the UK the eighth country to establish a mutual recognition arrangement on organic equivalence with Taiwan and the first European country to do so. Hu looks forward to the seamless trade of organic agricultural products and enhanced agricultural exchanges and cooperation between the UK and Taiwan.
This MoU is a testimonial to the commitment of both the UK and Taiwan to advancing their trade relationship through sustainable and organic agriculture, marking a significant step forward in their bilateral trade efforts.
