Guizhou, Taiwan further co-op in agriculture

Guizhou province is planning to intensify cooperation with Taiwan on a range of projects relating to agriculture, tourism, information technology and a new industrial development zone.

The plans were laid out by officials at the Guizhou-Taiwan Cooperation Conference on Economy and Trade, held in Guiyang, capital of Guizhou, on Tuesday.

Speaking at the event, Sun Mingxian, chief adviser of the Knowledge Creating and Sharing Association, said, "Our suggestion is that Guizhou establish the Eco Agriculture Economic Zone (EAEZ) in Gui'an district so as to develop the green economy and enhance the 'vegetable basket' program."

Under a "big industries" strategy, Guizhou has been maintaining a strong momentum toward industrial development. Meanwhile, it is emphasizing new industries that are in tune with ecological concerns, particularly in the new development zone of Gui'an district.

Foxconn Technology Group, one of the largest electronics contract manufacturers in the world, has established a fourth-generation industrial park in Gui'an district, raising the district's international profile as a location for investment.

On Tuesday, Sun also acknowledged the development potential in this area and said that combining the comprehensive agriculture production zone with the industrial park is in line with the development requirements of a green economy.

With regard to Guizhou's present modern agriculture, Liu Fucheng, director of Guizhou Agriculture Council, elaborated the construction situation. All 113 modern agriculture demonstration parks are under construction and there are 482 investment promotion projects, with a total capital of 42.6 billion yuan ($7 billion) and actual invested capital of 7.61 billion yuan.

Many other entrepreneurs believe Guizhou is now well qualified to attract investment from home and abroad.

"We expect to bring bio technology from Western countries to Guizhou in the short term, which will make Guizhou famous for longevity more than its liquor, cigarettes and tea," according to an entrepreneur from Taiwan.