A 14-year high of more than NT$10.96 billion (US$375.5 million) in export orders was racked up at last month’s Taiwan International Orchid Show, underscoring the local industry’s reputation for cutting-edge cultivation techniques and high-quality products.
 
The orders, which will be filled by 2023, were complemented by orchid and cultural and creative item sales of NT$16.95 million and over NT$5 million, respectively. An estimated 210,000 visitors from 42 countries and territories thronged the March 2-12 annual event featuring 800 species—272 of which were new—at Taiwan Orchid Plantation in Houbi District of Tainan City, southern Taiwan.
 
In addition, US$15.24 million in deals were sealed between 40 local suppliers and 22 buyers from 13 countries and territories during 353 one-on-one matchmaking sessions held March 1 in Tainan.
 
Tainan Deputy Mayor Wu Chung-rong said April 9 that the show is a valuable platform for highlighting Taiwan’s innovative approach to developing orchid products through interdisciplinary collaboration among sectors like biotechnology and the cultural and creative industry. It also helps homegrown orchid growers tap emerging markets across the world, he added.
 
According to Wu, the local government will continue supporting efforts aimed at developing new cultivation techniques so as to maintain Taiwan’s leadership of the global orchid industry in the 21st century and beyond.
 
Organized by Tainan City Government and Taiwan External Trade Development Council (TAITRA), the annual show is one of the largest of its kind in the world alongside the Japan Grand Prix International Orchid Festival and World Orchid Conference. Taiwan is scheduled to host the 23rd edition of the WOC in 2020. (CPY-E)
 
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