Photo Gallery: 2025 Asia-Pacific Orchid Conference and Taiwan International Orchid Exhibition

Taiwan International Orchid Show, one of the top three orchid shows globally, opened with the presence of President Tsai Ing-wen at the “2025 Asia-Pacific Orchid Conference and Taiwan International Orchid Show.” The President invited people to experience the beauty of orchids in Tainan and hoped that Taiwanese orchids would bloom in more countries, showcasing Taiwan’s cultural soft power.

The opening ceremony of the “2025 Asia-Pacific Orchid Conference and Taiwan International Orchid Show” was held grandly in Houbi, Tainan on the 7th. Dignitaries from home and abroad gathered, including President Tsai Ing-wen, Tainan Mayor Huang Wei-che, as well as delegations from 17 countries including Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Saint Lucia, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Chile, Canada, Austria, Singapore, the Philippines, Japan, and New Zealand. Foreign orchid industry groups, buyers, and overseas judging panels also attended the event to participate in the grand opening.

In his address, President Tsai highlighted that the Taiwan International Orchid Show, happening annually, is among the top three orchid shows globally alongside the World Orchid Show and Tokyo Orchid Show. Notably, after a 20-year hiatus, the “Asia-Pacific Orchid Conference” is also held in Taiwan this year. He expressed gratitude for everyone’s collective efforts in making such a significant event possible.

Tsai mentioned that the dual exhibition on the 8th would merge, showcasing a diverse array of orchids. He believed that all orchid enthusiasts, experts, scholars, and spectators are the biggest winners this year. On behalf of the Taiwanese people, he warmly welcomed guests from around the world to Tainan to participate in this event, expressing confidence that the splendid exhibitions and conferences would be enriching, allowing all participants to experience the charm of Taiwanese orchids.

Known as the Orchid Kingdom, Taiwan has made strides in horticulture over the past 20 years under concerted efforts from the industry, government, and academia. The transition from traditional cultivation to technological advancements, branding, and internationalization has elevated Taiwan’s floral industry. President Tsai specially thanked the Ministry of Agriculture, Tainan City Government, and various sectors for their joint efforts in this progression.

President Tsai pointed out that orchids serve as a flagship industry for Taiwan’s agricultural exports. Last year, Taiwan’s orchid industry reached a total production value of NT$6.4 billion (US$209 million), with exports accounting for NT$6.1 billion (US$199 million), spanning over 60 countries including the United States, Japan, Canada, and Australia. The Taiwan Orchid Biotechnology Park in Tainan is now a globally renowned orchid industrial cluster, holding a leading position in orchid breeding, supply, and biotechnological research.

With this year’s theme being “Next 20 Years,” President Tsai emphasized the plans for the ongoing development of the orchid industry over the next two decades, notably expanding the Orchid Park in the second phase for further growth and advancement in the orchid industry.

President Tsai expressed belief that Taiwan’s orchids would blossom in more countries in the future. Since his tenure as Mayor of Tainan, he has aspired for Taiwanese orchids to emulate the success of Dutch tulips in sustaining more Taiwanese and being marketed worldwide, generating substantial economic value and showcasing Taiwan’s cultural soft power. The resilience, friendship, and confidence represented by orchids will be spread to every corner of the world.

Last year, the Taiwan International Orchid Show attracted 300,000 visitors. This year, Mayor Huang Wei-che of Tainan has set a target to surpass this number, aiming for 350,000 visitors. President Tsai thanked Mayor Huang and the city government team, the Ministry of Agriculture, and all partners involved in the orchid show for their continuous efforts despite the event’s previous cancellations due to the pandemic, which have resulted in more exciting exhibitions.

President Tsai noted that hosting the “Asia-Pacific Orchid Conference” again in Taiwan promotes future innovative developments through professional exchanges among countries. The central and local governments will continue to collaborate, integrating AI technology to advance smart agriculture, precision breeding, energy-efficient applications, and flower cycle production, further elevating Taiwan’s orchid industry.

In conclusion, President Tsai invited all Taiwanese to visit the exhibition in Tainan, a joint effort of Tainan and the nation to share the beauty of orchids with everyone. He extended his blessings to all the distinguished guests, hoping for a successful and harmonious exhibition that showcases the beauty of orchids to the world and highlights the splendor of Taiwan.

Tainan Mayor Huang Wei-che welcomed guests to the event, emphasizing the culmination of the hard work of farmers and the development of technology in the exhibition. The Taiwan Orchid Biotechnology Park in Houbi, Tainan, managed by the Ministry of Agriculture three years ago, has seen significant progress. This year’s exhibition marks the joint hosting of the “Asia-Pacific Orchid Conference” after a 20-year hiatus, themed “next 20,” envisioning the continuous progress of Taiwan’s orchid industry for the next two decades.

Subsequently, President Tsai presented awards to winners of the “National Cup Youth Farmer Educational Orchid Landscape Design Competition,” “Overall Champion,” and “Best Landscape Design Award,” engaging in the opening ceremony and touring the exhibition area with the dignitaries present to experience the beauty of orchids firsthand.

The Ministry of Agriculture of the Republic of China noted that over the past 20 years, through joint efforts from various sectors, Taiwan’s orchid industry has developed a complete value chain system. Apart from outstanding breeding capabilities, Taiwan boasts excellent production methods and professional specialization. Orchids from Taiwan are now exported to over 60 countries, establishing them as a key agricultural export of the Republic of China.

The Tainan City Government stated that the Taiwan Orchid Biotechnology Park is a significant orchid production cluster. Since its handover to the Ministry of Agriculture in 2022, the vision is to create an internationally renowned specialized park for exporting Taiwanese orchids and transform it into an “innovative industrial park for floriculture.” The base is set to expand to nearly 300 hectares, integrating industry resources, scientific and technological research, and introducing new trends such as sustainable circulation and zero carbon emissions to drive the transformation and upgrade of the orchid park, pushing the orchid industry to new heights.

During the exhibition, the Tainan City Government has arranged various DIY and floral design performances daily. Orchid experts have been invited to share orchid care secrets. Interested individuals can stay updated by visiting the “Taiwan International Orchid Show” Facebook page. Purchasing tickets in advance can reduce waiting times at the venue. Tickets are available through platforms like ibon, Fami, ACCUPASS, KLOOK, and more. The Ministry of Agriculture and the Tainan City Government sincerely invite you to immerse yourself in the sea of orchids.