The biggest-ever Taipei International Food Show kicked off in Taiwan's capital on Wednesday. The four-day show, now in its 24th year, is being held in conjunction with four other shows, featuring: packaging, processing, machinery and halal foods.
This year a total of 35 countries have pavilions at the show, along with nearly 1,600 other local and foreign exhibitors.
The Taiwan External Trade Development Council (TAITRA) is the organizer behind the event. It’s expecting more than 65,000 visitors, including some 6,500 international buyers.
Economics Minister Chang Chia-juch spoke at the show’s opening on Wednesday. The said that the fair, along with new food policies, is likely to result in 3% growth for the nation’s food industry.
He also spoke about food safety, which has been a concern in Taiwan in recent years. He said that the government is working with the food industry to create a system that will ensure food safety.
“All businesses in the food supply chain have already shared information about the origin of the ingredients used in their products, and there is an early warning system which will be put in place in the fourth quarter of this year," said Chang. "We believe that with the government joining forces with industry, we can not only protect consumers but also contribute to industrial growth.”
The Taipei International Food Show, under way at the Taipei World Trade Center Nangang Exhibition Hall, will last through June 28.