Taiwan exports mangoes, lychees to Chile, Australia

Taiwan has obtained permission from the governments of Chile and Australia to export Taiwan-grown mangoes and lychees to the two countries this year, officials of the Bureau of Animal and Plant Health Inspection and Quarantine under the Council of Agriculture (COA) said yesterday. The bureau signed with Chilean authorities a working plan last year on quarantine measures regarding Taiwan's mango shipments to Chile as well as an agreement on Taiwan mango exports to the South American country. Since the importing country has ratified the working plan and agreement, COA officials said, Taiwan can start shipping the fruit to the country this year. In Australia, relevant authorities have also recently ratified similar agreements, allowing Taiwan to begin exporting mangoes to the country this year, the officials said. Under the quarantine regulations, mangoes have to undergo heat-steaming before they are transported to the two countries, the officials noted. Before the first batch of mangoes are shipped, the COA will invite Chilean and Australian officials in charge of quarantine affairs to visit the island to inspect the steaming and relevant operations, the officials said.