DPP OFFICIAL ATTENDS SEMINAR IN MAINLAND CHINA Gueilin, China, Aug. 26 (CNA) More than 30 specialists and scholars from Taiwan, including a ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) official, are currently in Gueilin in southwestern China attending a semi.

(From Central News Agency (Taiwan))

Taipei, Aug. 26 (CNA) The Council of Agriculture (COA) said Tuesday it will negotiate with mainland Chinese authorities in September for resuming employment of mainland Chinese fishery workers as early as possible.

COA Vice Chairman Lee Chien-chuan made the remarks after three Taiwan crew members aboard a Pingtung-based fishing boat were allegedly killed by their Indonesian colleagues late last month.

Lee said the COA will review the policy of hiring foreign fishery workers and bar foreigners with previous criminal records from working on Taiwan-registered fishing boats.

"We'll also ask exporting countries to offer pre-job training for those who will work aboard Taiwan-owned fishing vessels," Lee said, adding that the COA will also step up leadership training programs for local fishing ship skippers.

The Taiwan fishing …