1.Taiwan Flower Expo Ends, Export Orders Expected to Top NT$10 Billion

The 2026 Taiwan International Orchid & Flower Technology Expo, hosted by the Ministry of Agriculture, successfully concluded on March 16 at the Flower Innovation Park. Centered on the theme “Blooming Taiwan,” the exhibition featured five major zones: Bloom Hall, Flower Hall, Linkage Hall, Happiness Market, and the Flower Technology Exhibition, attracting over 300,000 visitors and receiving widespread acclaim. During the event, the Taiwan External Trade Development Council organized a trade matchmaking program for international buyers, inviting 32 buyers from 20 countries to meet with 37 local orchid businesses in 224 sessions. These meetings generated approximately US$23.46 million in orders, a 3% increase compared to 2025, with projected export orders reaching NT$10.18 billion over the next 3–5 years. To extend the exhibition’s success, the Ministry of Agriculture announced that the Flower Technology Exhibition zone will remain open from April 1 to April 20 for group reservations. Visitors can once again experience the immersive blend of floral artistry and digital technology. The exhibition also offers hands-on flower craft activities (materials fee: NT$150 per set). Government agencies, schools, and other groups are welcome to reserve spots through this link: https://forms.gle/eJn8nKToMkaBQ11R8

2. Eid Celebrations: Fisheries Agency Honors Foreign Crew, Advances Labor Protections

On March 20, marking the Muslim holiday of Eid al-Fitr, Taiwan's Fisheries Agency extended its greetings to foreign crew working at sea, acknowledging their essential contribution to the nation’s fishing industry. The agency highlighted that Eid, marking the end of Ramadan, is a time for reunion, gratitude, and blessings, and called for greater understanding and respect toward crew celebrating this occasion. Since 2022, the Fisheries Agency has advanced the Fisheries and Human Rights Action Plan, improving wage payments, work-hour recording, rest periods, onboard conditions, communications, medical protection, labor inspections, and shore-based support. This year, a wage reporting system was also introduced to further secure salaries. The second phase of the plan will focus on higher wages, Wi-Fi access, telemedicine, digital contracts, and domestic ratification of the ILO Work in Fishing Convention, aiming to create safer, more dignified labor conditions and promote sustainable fisheries in Taiwan.