President Tsai Ing-wen opened the 2018 Taichung World Flora Exposition Nov. 3 in central Taiwan, praising the efforts of the public and private sectors in bringing to fruition the high-profile international event.
Meticulous planning and tremendous infrastructure development by the local government has created an outstanding platform for showcasing Taiwan’s advanced horticultural development, rich biodiversity and technological prowess, Tsai said.
But none of this could have been possible without the invaluable contributions of tens of thousands of staffers and volunteers, Tsai said, adding that the expo will deepen and strengthen Taiwan’s connections with the world.
Tsai, who was accompanied by Taichung Mayor Lin Chia-lung and other officials and dignitaries during the ceremony, later enjoyed an opening spectacular featuring an array of performances by artists from home and abroad. These included Ten Drum Art Percussion Group, Taiwan indigenous troupe Tjimur Dance Theatre, Taiwanese opera diva Zhuang Jin-mei and Latvian tenor Corby Welch.
Earlier in the day, Vice President Chen Chien-jen took part in the inauguration of the Holland Pavilion at the expo’s Houli Horse Ranch and Forest Park Area. The structure is the first circular building in Taiwan, and will be relocated to a nearby site owned by state-run Taiwan Sugar Corp. after the event.
Chen said the pavilion, which combines the best practices and know-how of the academic and business sectors of Taiwan and the Netherlands, is a leading example of effective bilateral cooperation on the circular economy. This collaboration underscores the government’s commitment to promoting sustainable development and is in line with the five-plus-two industrial innovation program, he added.
It is anticipated the pavilion will promote more effective cooperation and exchanges between the like-minded countries, and further advance an already strong partnership based on shared values in agriculture, culture and trade, Chen said.
The program is a key component in the government’s national development strategy. It targets the five high-growth sectors of biotech and pharmaceuticals, green energy, national defense, smart machinery and Internet of Things, as well as the promotion of two concepts: the circular economy and a new paradigm for agricultural development.
Themed The Sound of Blooming, the expo runs until April 24, 2019, at Fengyuan Huludun Park, Houli Horse Ranch and Forest Park Area, and Waipu Park Area. (SFC-E)
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