1.Typhoon Gaemi agricultural losses estimated at NT$1.8 billion
 

Agricultural losses caused by Typhoon Gaemi in Taiwan had totaled approximately NT$1.8 billion (US$54.8 million) as of 11 a.m. July 28^th, according to the latest statistics from the Ministry of Agriculture. The data showed that the three administrative areas across the nation that sustained the greatest losses in order of severity were Pingtung County at NT$386 million, Chiayi County at NT$384 million, and Yunlin County at NT$368 million. Sector-wise, the ministry reported that the most damage -- NT$1.2 billion worth -- was done to crops, followed by fisheries at NT$270 million, livestock at NT$250 million, and agricultural infrastructure at NT$57 million. The ministry added that farmers growing bananas, pears, and guavas were hit hardest, with estimated losses of NT$241.9 million, NT$84.6 million, and NT$83.8 million, respectively. Fishery losses were mainly due to damage to oysters, followed by milkfish and freshwater prawns, according to the ministry. Meanwhile, livestock losses were primarily due to damage to chickens, totaling NT$214 million, followed by ducks, pigs, and geese, it said.

2.Taiwan-China discussions on speedboat incident rescheduled to Tuesday

Officials from Taiwan and China will meet on Tuesday to discuss the Kinmen speedboat incident after the original meeting set for July 24^th was postponed due to Typhoon Gaemi, Taiwan's Mainland Affairs Council (MAC) said. Both sides have agreed to hold the rescheduled meeting at Golden Lake Hotel in outlying Kinmen County, the original location. They will discuss outstanding issues relating to the incident which left two Chinese nationals dead on Feb. 14, the MAC said in a statement. The representatives of the two deceased sailors' families will arrive in Kinmen on July 29^th to ensure smooth and thorough talks, the statement added.