National Fishermen’s Day kicks off in Tainan, Lai Ching-te reiterates 30 billion agricultural safety fund to support fishery upgrade

This year coincides with the 50th anniversary of fishery promotion. The "115th Annual National Fishermen's Day and the 50th Anniversary Celebration of Taiwan's Fisheries Promotion" will be held in Tainan today (11th). The National Fishermen's Day returns to Tainan for the first time in 14 years. When President Lai Ching-te attended the event, he reiterated that the government has established a NT$30 billion "Agricultural Safety Fund" to support the upgrading and transformation of agriculture and fishery from four major aspects: supporting agriculture, ensuring competitive advantages, expanding export base, and consolidating industrial resilience, while also responding to the possible impact of the Taiwan-US Agreement.

Speaking of fishermen, he said with emotion that fishermen have been associated with the ocean all their lives, working hard at sea, and raising generations of Taiwanese with their hands. Returning to Tainan to participate in the Fishermen's Day reminded him of the inauguration state banquet held in Tainan with Vice President Hsiao Meiqin in the past. "With the same grateful mood," he expressed his gratitude to fishermen across the country. He also stressed that the government has the responsibility to take care of fishermen.

Regarding the concerns raised by National Fisheries Association Chairman Xie Longyin about oil price increases during the meeting, Lai Qingde said that Taiwan will indeed be affected by war and international oil price fluctuations, but compared with the international market, the impact on Taiwan is not that obvious. The government has already made response and stabilization arrangements; as for the actual needs of fishermen, the Ministry of Agriculture and relevant units will be asked to further understand and provide assistance.

Lai also mentioned that the Taiwan-US tariff negotiations are currently going smoothly, and the relevant results will be announced in a while. As president, he will continue to strive for the last and best conditions and try his best to reduce the impact on industries, farmers and fishermen.

During the event, Lai Ching-te personally presented awards to 12 model fishermen and 16 outstanding fishermen, expressing his gratitude for their long-term investment in Taiwan’s fishery and hard work for industrial development. Among them, Tainan model fisherman Wang Wencai inherited three generations of oyster farming experience and has long been invested in promoting local fisheries; the late Lin Lietang, the "father of Taiwanese milkfish", devoted many years to the development of milkfish farming technology and left behind important fishery assets.

Lai Ching-te emphasized that in the future, the government will continue to improve fishing port construction, fishermen's welfare and cold chain logistics, comprehensively strengthen production, sales and industrial upgrading, improve fishermen's protection, and allow Taiwan's high-quality fishery products to create higher value in domestic and foreign markets.