The Taipei International Flora Expo yesterday put new flora displays in place at the expo sites to promote the nation’s top exported flowers, such as orchids and flamingo flowers, as the event enters its final days.
A flora show featuring flowers such as orchids and the latest horticultural skills went on display at the Expo Dome yesterday. Expo organizers also placed new flowers at other sites.
Attending the opening ceremony of the new flora show, President Ma Ying-jeou (馬英九) yesterday shared his pride in the nation’s horticultural strength and the success of the expo, and even asked Taipei Mayor Hau Lung-bin (郝龍斌) about the possibility of extending the expo.
“The flora display is gorgeous, and I am once again amazed by Taiwan’s horticultural skills ... Building Taiwan as a horticulture kingdom is one of my campaign promises and we are reaching the goal step by step,” Ma said at the ceremony yesterday.
The president, who obtained the right to host the expo during his term as Taipei mayor in 2006, said the success of the expo served as the “most convincing example” of Taiwan’s capability to host international events.
Hau said the six-month event, which will end on April 25, is expected to attract more than 8.5 million visitors. However, the city government would not extend the time of the event in accordance with the regulations of International Association of Horticultural Producers.
According to expo organizers, the number of visitors to the expo is likely to reach its 8 million goal this afternoon.
The organizers said it will give out 188 prizes, including a voucher for a two-night stay in the Grand Formosa Regent Taipei’s presidential suite — worth NT$218,900 — as well as airplane tickets for two to any destination in Asia.
Hau said the expo will maintain 13 of the 14 expo pavilions for art and cultural performances or floral exhibitions after the closing of the event, and the pavilions will be reopened after renovation.
The EcoARK, a pavilion made with plastic bottles and sponsored by the Far Eastern Group, will be reassembled by the corporation at other venues for display.
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