ASIA-PACIFIC ECONOMIC COOPERATION

AGRICULTURAL TECHNICAL COOPERATION EXPERTS GROUP

Workshop on Conservation and Utilization of Farm Animal

and Aquatic Genetic Resources

Welcome Remarks

By

Dr. Cheng-Taung Wang

Director General

Taiwan Livestock Research Institute

Chinese Taipei

Mr. Chairman, Distinguished Delegates, Ladies and Gentlemen:

First of all, on behalf of Taiwan Livestock Research Institute, I welcome all of you to the important activity of APEC Agricultural Technical Cooperation Experts Group, namely, the Workshop on Conservation and Utilization of Farm Animal and Aquatic Genetic Resources. It is our pleasure to have your participation in this milestone forum.

Agricultural genetic resources are a resource for future food production and environmental and socio-economic stability. As the human population grows and production systems change, there will be greater demand for food, and thus the genetic resources underpin this production. Conservation and utilization of genetic resources can no longer be regarded as an important activity without further utilization of these resources in production. Therefore, I sincerely hope that the research cooperation among APEC member economies will be expanded and the outcomes of this Workshop will substantially help the existing research collaboration among member economies.

Once again we welcome you, and wish we have a successful Workshop and each of you a pleasant and profitable visit in Chinese Taipei.