The 2019 Taiwan gourmet cuisine promotion was launched March 19 in Taipei City, underscoring the commitment of the government to sharing the country’s distinct food culture with the world.
 
Overseen by the Cabinet-level Overseas Community Affairs Council, the promotion involves 22 culinary talents organized into 11 teams. They will facilitate 149 hands-on sessions and business consultations in 19 countries and 63 cities across Asia, Central and South America, Europe, North America and South Africa from April 9 to Sept. 15.
 
OCAC Minister Wu Hsin-hsing said the promotion was inspired by the success of last year’s Taiwan gourmet banquet at historic Twin Oaks in Washington.
 
Members of U.S. Congress attending the event organized as part of 130th anniversary celebrations for the official residence of ROC (Taiwan) ambassadors prior to 1978 were deeply impressed by the food, Wu said, adding that they suggested it could be used to help promote the country abroad.
 
According to Wu, the OCAC quickly assembled a top-flight group capable of flying the culinary flag for Taiwan with aplomb. Ethnicity and language varies from country to country, but love of fine food is a borderless passion and unifying factor, he said.
 
The OCAC expects the promotion to pay handsome dividends for Taiwan. These include deepening understanding of the country and its people, as well as generating a raft of potential-laden tourism and trade opportunities.
 
Established in 1926, the OCAC is responsible for assisting in the development of Taiwan expatriates abroad. It operates 16 cultural centers in countries such as Australia, Brazil, Canada, the Philippines and U.S. (HC-E)