Magistrate Chou Meets Japanese Delegation to Discuss Agricultural and Tourism Exchange

According to a report by Central News Agency (CNA) journalist Li Hui-ting from Pingtung County on the 13th, the President of the Yamaguchi Prefectural Assembly League for Japan-Taiwan Friendship Promotion, Shimaoka Noriaki, visited the Pingtung County Government today. Magistrate Chou Chun-mi hosted the delegation, and both sides exchanged views on agricultural specialty products, cultural tourism, and future urban collaboration, expressing mutual hopes for deepening reciprocal exchanges.

The Pingtung County Government stated in a press release today that, despite ongoing intensive recovery efforts following heavy rains and typhoon damage, Magistrate Chou adjusted her schedule to receive the Japanese delegation, underscoring the high importance placed on local-level Japan-Taiwan relations.

Chou highlighted Shimaoka's long-standing commitment to promoting local exchanges between Taiwan and Japan. She noted his close friendship with the late former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, also from Yamaguchi Prefecture, and praised Shimaoka for actively continuing Abe’s vision of deepening Japan-Taiwan friendship through concrete actions.

Chou also introduced Pingtung’s development achievements and unique characteristics. She emphasized the county’s rich agricultural and fisheries products, including the internationally renowned Black Tuna Cultural Tourism Festival. High-quality agricultural products such as mangoes, pineapples, and bananas are steadily expanding into the Japanese market. She expressed hopes that enhanced cooperation and exchanges would allow more Japanese citizens to discover Pingtung.

Chou added that Pingtung has recently been advancing semiconductor and space technology industries in alignment with national policies, aiming to build a sustainable city integrating technology, agriculture, and tourism. She expressed confidence that leveraging Yamaguchi Prefecture’s expertise in industrial technology and regional revitalization could open new avenues for collaboration.

Shimaoka shared that upon entering the magistrate’s office, he was immediately captivated by a painting of the Eluanbi Lighthouse on the wall and expressed a desire to visit the Hengchun Peninsula in person. He was also deeply impressed by the rocket launch motif on Chou’s business card, reflecting Pingtung’s recent strides in the space industry.

Shimaoka stated that Japan is closely monitoring Pingtung’s advancements in space technology and semiconductor industries, recognizing the county’s forward-looking industrial planning and development potential. He expressed hope for establishing more cooperation opportunities in technology and talent exchange between Yamaguchi and Pingtung in the future. (Edited by Lin Shu-hui)