Market joy soured by glum future for betel-nut industry
When the WTO accepted Taiwan as a member, the island's delegation was jubilant - but it was a black day for Taiwan's betel farmers.
The pungent red plant - an Asian climbing plant, the leaves and nuts of which can be chewed - is loved by thousands of bus drivers and factory workers. It is a symbol of the island, where people buy it everywhere from stalls on city streets to lanes in the countryside.
Until Sunday, the Taiwan Government protected the farmers with high tariffs, in effect closing the market to foreign imports. But, as part of its WTO obligations, Taiwan has undertaken to cut the tariffs on a wide range of farm goods, which will put up to 90,000 farmers out of work over the next three years, according to official figures.
Worst hit will be those who grow betel, garlic, bananas and sugar. The Government has announced the setting up of a NT$100 billion (HK$22.17 billion) fund to ease the transition and train farmers for new jobs.
It has provoked angry exchanges in Taiwan's Parliament, with legislators accusing the Government of betraying the farmers.
Many of the imports will come from China, where labour costs are a fraction of those on the island. The betel root imports will come from Southeast Asia.
'How many farmers do we have left?' asked a Taiwan reporter covering the WTO conference. 'We have widespread smuggling already of mainland goods. WTO membership will simply legalise it.'
For public health campaigners, these developments in the betel market are a mixed blessing. They have lobbied for years to ban the root on the grounds that it destroys teeth, causes gum infections and bad breath.
Betel-chewers argue it is an important part of Taiwan's history and culture and that those opposing it work in front of computers in air-conditioned offices and do not know the meaning of manual work.
According to WTO logic, lower tariffs will mean cheaper prices and higher consumption.
But did the 142 ministers realise their decision on Sunday would lead to a rise in the number of betel-chewers and consequently in angry spouses, who have to suffer their bad breath?
