The Council of Agriculture received some unexpected criticism after it chose model Yin Ling (垠凌) to promote locally raised eel on the Japanese market.
On Friday, the council held a press conference in Tokyo promoting Taiwanese eel.
At the conference, council Deputy Chairman Chen Tain-shou (陳添壽) presented Yin as spokeswoman to encourage imports of eel from Taiwan.
PHOTO: CNA
Born in Taiwan, Yin gained popularity as a model in photo books of scantily clad women, which are popular in Japan.
She has also posed in revealing outfits at exhibitions and trade shows in Taiwan.
Some said choosing Yin as spokeswoman could send a wrong message.
Huang Tzung-chi (黃琮琪), an economics professor at National Chung Hsing University, said Yin’s image as “racy” would make a negative impression.
The council should have a long-term strategy that consists of more than aiming for media buzz, he said.
But Aquaculture Development Association executive manager Huang Che-yuan (黃徹源) disagreed.
Huang said Yin had succeeded in attracting the attention of Japanese media. The purpose of marketing is to create a buzz around a product, Huang Tse-yuan said, adding that image was subjective.
The council said it had entrusted the promotion project to Taiwan United Association for Eel Productions, which then commissioned the services of a public relations company in Japan.
Chang Shu-hsien (張淑賢), the head of the council’s International Department, conceded that the council had not been aware of Yin’s background, but knew she worked in the entertainment industry.
Chang said that since Yin was appropriately clad at the press conference, there was nothing inappropriate in her promoting Taiwanese eel.
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