The Workshop on Reducing Food Loss and Waste through Packaging Innovations and Progress Review of FLW in the APEC Region, organized by the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) and held in Taichung for the first time thanks to the proactive efforts of the Taichung City Government, officially opened today (5th) at Evergreen Laurel Hotel (Taichung). The event brought together over 100 experts and scholars from 16 APEC member economies to discuss key issues related to food security and sustainable development, highlighting Taichung’s active engagement in international city diplomacy and its achievements in governance. Deputy Director Tsai Yung-Sheng of the Taichung City Government's Agriculture Bureau attended the opening ceremony on behalf of Mayor Lu. He presented Taichung’s concrete accomplishments in food security and sustainable agriculture to international delegates, reinforcing the city’s commitment to dialogue and cooperation with multilateral platforms.

Deputy Director Tsai noted that food security is a matter of great global concern. In light of climate change and the rapid pace of urban development, enhancing the resilience and sustainability of food systems has become an urgent priority. As the most important economic and trade cooperation forum in the Asia-Pacific region, APEC plays a pivotal role in advancing food security. This workshop presents a valuable opportunity for Taichung not only to share its practical experiences and local innovations, but also to deepen partnerships through exchanges with member economies. By promoting dialogue and cooperation on food security and sustainability policies, the city is demonstrating a new model of international engagement and urban diplomacy.

Deputy Director Tsai emphasized that the Taichung City Government is committed to promoting sustainable urban development and has, in recent years, continued to expand a range of policies related to food security and sustainability. A special exhibition area was set up during the workshop to showcase the city's policy achievements and related products. On the food production front, the city government has been actively promoting eco-friendly farming practices by encouraging farmers to reduce the use of chemical pesticides, thereby preserving natural ecosystems and resources. Notable examples include initiatives such as Leopard Cat-Friendly Agriculture, Wufeng Black-Winged Kite Rice, and Sijiaolin Firefly Coffee. These efforts not only help establish distinctive brand images for local agricultural products but also strengthen consumer trust and recognition. In addition, the city government has been promoting humane livestock and poultry farming practices. By creating a respectful and caring environment for chickens, Taichung ensures the production of safe and high-quality eggs, aligning with international attention to the welfare of farm animals. The city government has also supported farmers’ organizations in developing agricultural products and updating packaging, thereby increasing the versatility of agricultural ingredients, reducing waste and loss, and enhancing product value. On the consumption front, the city government has implemented food redistribution mechanisms through food banks and food-sharing platforms at public markets. By allocating surplus food to those in need, the city aims to raise public awareness of food appreciation and maximize the value of food resources.

Furthermore, Taichung City officially joined the “Cities With Nature” initiative this year, becoming the first city in Taiwan to participate. Through this initiative, Taichung integrates ecological conservation and sustainable development strategies into its urban planning and governance, in support of global biodiversity conservation efforts. Looking ahead, Taichung will continue to deepen dialogue and cooperation with international organizations such as APEC, advancing innovation and implementation in food and sustainability policies. By working hand-in-hand with global partners, the city aims to build a more resilient food supply system—transforming cities from being merely endpoints of food consumption into starting points for sustainable development.

The opening ceremony of today’s workshop was attended by Deputy Minister Tu Wen-Chen of the Ministry of Agriculture, Dr. Chang Shu-Hsien from the APEC Agricultural Technical Cooperation Working Group (ATCWG), and Deputy Director Tsai Yung-Sheng of the Taichung City Government’s Agriculture Bureau. Together with experts and scholars from the Asia-Pacific region, they engaged in in-depth discussions on food security and sustainable development.