Deputy Minister of Economic Affairs Chen Chern-chyi (third left) and TAITRA Chairman James C. F. Huang (fourth right) join other officials March 7 to cut the ribbon during the Taiwan Pavilion’s opening ceremony at Foodex Japan 2023 currently underway in Tokyo. (Courtesy of TAITRA)
 

Premier food products from Taiwan take center stage at Foodex Japan 2023 currently underway in Tokyo, according to the Ministry of Economic Affairs March 7.

The items are showcased at the Taiwan Pavilion operated by the Taiwan External Trade Development Council (TAITRA) and its overseeing agency, the Bureau of Foreign Trade under the Ministry of Economic Affairs. Billed as Asia’s largest food and beverage fair, the annual event is expected to significantly enhance the profiles of the country’s agricultural and food manufacturing sectors.

Local businesses from around Taiwan, including Kaohsiung City, Pingtung County and Tainan City in the south, as well as Taoyuan City in the north and Hualien County in the east, will display their wares at 132 booths. This representation makes Taiwan the second-largest exhibiting country.

The Council of Agriculture has made Taiwan’s fishery products a special focus of their booth this year. In addition, TAITRA has set up a themed area highlighting popular food exports to Japan, including fresh pineapple and grouper.

According to COA statistics, Taiwan food exports reached a record high of US$5.67 billion in 2021 despite the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and China’s agricultural bans. Japan is the second-largest destination for Taiwan agricultural and fishery products, totaling US$825 million in 2022. (DL-E)