Taipei Mayor Hau Lung-bin (郝龍斌) yesterday appointed veteran entertainment figure Betty Pai Jiali (白嘉莉) as the global goodwill ambassador for the upcoming Taipei International Flora Expo.
Describing Pai as his idol and the “most beautiful goodwill ambassador,” Hau said he appreciated her effort to take the time to return to Taiwan to attend the Double Ten National Day celebration and promote the six-month flora expo.
Hau placed a red ribbon over Pai’s shoulder and presented her with a certificate of appointment. Bai, who also paints, gave Hau a calendar in return featuring flowers she had painted.
Photo: CNA
VISITORS
Earlier in the morning, Hau dismissed recent criticism that the policy of allowing more visitors to the Yuanshan Park area was inconsistent.
City government spokesperson Chao Hsin-ping (趙心屏) said the city has not changed the principle of inviting Taipei residents to visit the sites to point out problems so they could ensure the event goes smoothly.
As for their decision to allow uninvited guests to enter the site, Chao asked the public to understand that the city government must exercise “flexibility” when dealing with people wishing to see the venue during the trial run.
MAYHEM
The first two days of the first stage of the trial run turned into mayhem when 12,960 people showed up on Saturday, followed by 20,000 on Sunday. The organizing committee had planned to allow only 5,000 invited guests into the site on each day of the first phase from Saturday through tomorrow.
Chao yesterday said the second stage of the trial run would begin on Friday and the organizing committee would announce the capacity of each park that is open for the trial. They will take place at the Fine Arts Park and Xinsheng Park areas.
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