The semi-official Taiwan External Trade Development Council (TAITRA) is planning to organize a workshop next week on Taiwan's banana exports to Japan, Taiwan's most important market for the fruit, TAITRA officials said Wednesday.

Taiwan sold 16,000 tons of bananas to Japan in 2006, representing a 46.98 per cent year-on-year growth. Despite the big amount, there is still ample room for Taiwan to expand banana exports to Japan, the officials said.

According to statistics, the total value of Taiwan's fresh fruit exports reached NT$34.32 million (US$1.04 million) in 2006, with 54 per cent shipped to Japan, TAITRA officials said, noting that bananas made up the bulk.

The planned workshop is scheduled to open Feb. 1 at the TAITRA office in Kaohsiung, southern Taiwan, and Japanese importers have been invited to attend. The officials said they hope the importers will offer suggestions for local businesses in terms of banana exports.