International orchid show to kick off in Tainan

2015-03-05

Taiwan International Orchid Show gets underway March 7 in southern Taiwan’s Tainan City, with 3,000-plus buyers from 38 countries and territories taking part in the Council of Agriculture-organized event.

“The show’s themes of conservation, nature and nativity are in keeping with the cutting-edge approach taken by local participants in the orchid industry,” COA Minister Chen Bao-ji said at the launch event March 2. “In addition, host venue Taiwan Orchid Plantation in Houbi District once again spotlights the facility’s reputation as a leading center for production of the flower.”

Comprising business matchmaking, an orchid competition, exhibition and related symposiums, the 10-day annual event is one of the largest of its kind in the world. It ranks alongside Japan Grand Prix International Orchid Festival in Tokyo and World Orchid Conference.

According to the COA, Taiwan will present at the 11th edition of the show its endemic Odontocidium Tariflor Snow White, variety-patented Doritaenopsis Orchid Leopard Prince F1138 and global bestseller Phalaenopsis Sogo Lotte. Eight countries and territories, including Italy, Japan and Singapore, are also set to display prize-winning orchids.

Government data revealed that Taiwan orchid exports totaled NT$183 million (US$5.8 million) in 2014, with moth varieties accounting for the lion’s share at NT$133 million. The show plays an instrumental role in achieving these results, functioning as a world-class trade platform and boosting competitiveness of the local industry.

“As Taiwan continues improving its capabilities in orchid breeding and cultivation, we plan to start exporting this technological know-how over the next decade,” Chen said. “Our orchid industry is soon set to reach a whole new level.”

Source: Taiwan Today (http://taiwantoday.tw/ct.asp?xItem=227932&CtNode=413)