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Taiwan agrees to allow duty-free imports of Paraguayan pork in setback for mainland China
- ‘Moment to celebrate’ hailed as boon for South American country’s producers who have faced weaker demand after sanctions on Russia over Ukraine war
- Paraguayan president was under pressure to cut country’s decades-old ties with Taiwan in favour of Beijing and its larger economic market
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Igor Patrickin Washington
Taiwan has agreed to allow duty-free imports of Paraguayan pork in a landmark move that could strengthen ties between two allies whose relations have long vexed mainland China.
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“This is a moment to celebrate,” said Jose Chih-Cheng Han, Taiwan’s top envoy to Asuncion on Thursday, noting Paraguayan President Santiago Pena visited the island last year seeking such an outcome.
Han hailed the deal as a boon for Paraguayan producers who have faced weaker demand following US and European Union sanctions levied against Russia after it invaded Ukraine. Moscow previously was the primary market for Paraguayan meat.
The agreement also permits duty-free exports of wheat flour, textiles, ethyl alcohol and beef burgers as well as reduced tariffs for honey and rice biscuits.
Javier Gimenez, Paraguay’s minister of industry and commerce, said negotiations were nearing completion to eliminate tariffs on poultry exports.
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