Taipei, Dec. 28 (CNA)President Chen Shui-bian attended a trade fair for agricultural products, in Tainan City.
Speaking at the trade fair organized by the China External Trade Development Council (CETRA) , Chen touted his administration's contribution to helping the country's farmers through such measures as lowering the interest rate for loans to farmers, raising the price of purchasing rice from farmers and increasing monthly allowances to senior farmers to NT$4,000 (US$117).
Chen also claimed credit for Sunday's trade fair, saying that he ordered the CETRA to promote sales of Taiwan's agricultural products overseas in addition to exploring markets for the country's information products to cushion the impact brought about by the country's entry into the World Trade Organization.
The president tasted the fruits displayed at the fair and drew lots to select the winner of a television set prize offered by the organizer to visitors.