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President Chen Attends the Opening of a European-style Recreational Vineyard in Taichung County
2003-07-09

Taichung, July 9 (CNA) President Chen Shui-bian said Wednesday he hopes a Taichung County township that was badly damaged by a magnitude-7.3 earthquake Sept. 21, 1999 can be developed into a world-class vineyard "like France's Bordeaux area."

Chen made the remarks while attending the opening of a European-style recreational vineyard in Taichung County's Waipu township.

Taichung County was one of the areas hardest-hit by the 9-21 earthquake that killed more than 2,400 people and left hundreds of thousands homeless. As the county is one of Taiwan's most important quality fruit production areas, the government decided to develop the quake-stricken zone into a wine production center.

As a result of careful planning and assistance from the Cabinet-level Council of Agriculture, the 9-21 Earthquake Post-Disaster Recovery Commission and the Taichung county government, nine tourist vineyards have been established in the quake zone, five of which have begun commercial operations.

Among them is the Houli Shusheng Vineyard, which was inaugurated with Chen's blessing. Well-wishers also included Taichung County Magistrate Huang chung-sheng and many other government officials.

Addressing the inaugural ceremony, Chen said he was impressed by the flavor of the red wine made from two special strains of grape grown at the vineyard. In future, Chen went on, he will serve the wine from the region at state banquets in honor of visiting foreign heads of state.

Given its beautiful scenery and the Taiwan people's wisdom, perseverance and entrepreneurial spirit, Chen said, he is convinced that Taichung County's quake-affected region can someday be developed into a "world-class vineyard that can compete with Bordeaux" -- perhaps the greatest wine-producing region on earth.

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