Source:  Tom Johnston, MEATINGPLACE.COM, 10/28/09

Taiwan President Ma Ying-jeou expressed hopes of reaching a free-trade agreement with the United States after his country's decision to allow more U.S. beef imports, according to media reports.

"We have removed a major obstacle between Taiwan and the United States," Ma is quoted as saying.

Ma didn't provide a timetable for resumption of talks between the two countries under the Trade and Investment Framework Agreement (TIFA), which would precede negotiations for an FTA.

Meanwhile, the Ma administration's decision last week to expand access to U.S. beef is drawing sharp criticism, the latest to come from Taiwan's Consumers' Foundation. The group said it will file an international appeal of the protocol, contending it is not legally binding and presents a health risk to consumers.

For more stories, go to www.meatingplace.com.