The quality and hygiene of chicken products from Panama comply with export standards, a quarantine official from the Republic of China said Saturday.
Chen Ching-tsung (
However, he declined to say whether Taiwan will import any chicken from Panama.
"Matters pertaining to Taiwan's imports of chicken from Panama will be up to a COA import and quarantine commission," Chen added.
Chen, who arrived in Panama City July 27, has visited relevant agencies from Panama's ministries of health and agricultural development to gain a better understanding of the country's meat inspection process prior to allowing such products to be exported.
He has also visited the slaughterhouses and meat processing factories run by the quasi-official Grupo Melo, one of the largest meat exporters in Panama, which is interested in exporting chicken to Taiwan.
Grupo Melo officials estimated that once Taiwan gives a green light to Panama by issuing a quarantine inspection certificate, the group will be capable of exporting chicken worth between US$1.3 million and US$2 million to Taiwan per year.
According to the Taiwan-Panama Free Trade Agreement, which took effect Jan. 1 this year, Taiwan will offer Panama an annual export quota of 800 tonnes of ready-to-cook chicken legs, chicken wings and other portions, as well as 500 tonnes of chicken offal to Taiwan.
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