Topic 7: Aircrafts have been increasingly used to transport fruits and vegetables to some

countries where such plants hardly grow or are out of season. Some people consider it a
good trend, but some people oppose it. Discuss both views and give your opinion .
) more goods and lower prices ) ( Relieve food supply stress/food shortage ;(
) participation in the world economic globalization process ,( ) win-win situation );( export products
with competitive advantages );( conducive to expanding export and attracting foreign capital ;(
) the freight transport industry ) ( made available at an affordable cost (
) pose threats to domestic firms and obs ,( ) impact the manufacture of essential goods ; (
) perishable crops ) ,( hard to preserve ) ;( rely excessively on imports ) ( trade deficit ;(
) unaffordable to the general public (
There has been a steady increase in the demand for imports throughout the world in
recent years, including those perishable items, such as fruits and vegetables. Despite the
boom in this business, importing agricultural products is very often criticized as unnecessary
and extravagant, especially when air freight is involved. The criticism was correct in the past,
but at the present time, there are indications that this trade activity has brought various
benefits .
At first, it is important to note that contrary to popular belief, imports are now
increasingly affordable to the general population. Thanks to the rapid development of the
freight transport industry, air travel has become an economical mode of transport, resulting in
the subsequent decrease in the cost of importing. Meanwhile, technical advance in the food
processing industry has made it much easier to preserve fresh fruits and vegetables over a
longhaul air flight. !ecause of the wide availability of imported crops, there are more
varieties in the food market, leading to the drop in the price of imports. The supply of
products in the market is less likely to be influenced by seasonal factors, and an adequate
intake of nutrition is guaranteed for the general population throughout the year .
Another fact to note is that import and e"port normally go hand ill hand, and a country
that imports goods from other countries does not necessarily suffer a loss. Trade is not
unilateral but bilateral. #ome countries are noted for an agrarian economy, while others
specialise in manufacturing industrial products. $ountries differ in their product structures
because they have dissimilar natural resources, climates, and geographical features. !y
adopting an enlightened policy and promoting trade activities with other countries, a country
can facilitate the e"change of goods, services and capital with the rest of the world and
promote economic development .
%n the negative side, some countries might become addicted to importing goods and
overloo! the possibility of developing a self-contained economy. "carcity of resource or lack
of technology might disable a country from producing crops to feed its population, but it
cannot be taken as an e"cuse for relying heavily on imports .
&overnment funding in scientific research can make it possible to achieve a breakthrough
and increase the yield, thereby resolving food supply crisis .
$ountries are therefore advised to promote international trade and to develop their own
industries simultaneously# 'ositive attitudes toward importing goods from other countries
demonstrate a government(s stance on the international trade, although the government should
also prevent itself from relying on imported goods .
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$ # %erishable&easy to rot
' # (oom&rapid growth&sudden increase&expansion&surge
) # *xtravagant&wasteful&luxurious
+ # ,t the present time&at present&currently
- # .ndication&sign&hint
/ # 0ariety&selection
1 # 2o hand in hand&be closely connected&be inseparable
3 # 4nilateral&one-sided
5 # *nlightened&liberal&open-minded
$6 # 7verloo!&neglect&ignore
$$ # "elf-contained&self-reliant&self-sufficient
$' # "carcity&deficiency&shortage&dearth&deficit
$) # 8ield&harvest&the amount of crops produced
$+ # "imultaneously&at the same time
$- # "tance&position&stand
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