Changhua, Taiwan, Jan. 16 (CNA) President Chen Shui-bian said Friday that the opening of the nation's largest-ever flower exposition in the central county of Changhua marks a great achievement in Taiwan's development of fine-quality agriculture. "And the world-class flower expo also illustrates that Taiwan's agriculture has evolved from basic staples to tourist and recreational services," Chen added.
The president made the remarks at the opening of the 2004 Taiwan Flower Expo in Changhua County's Hsichou township in central Taiwan.
Chen noted that Changhua County Magistrate Weng Chin-chu declared her determination to organize a world-class floral exposition shortly after she assumed office two years ago. "Given the fact that Changhua has more than 5,000 hectares of flower farms and a comprehensive floral production, marketing and distribution system, the county is well-qualified to hold such an event, " Chen said. "I'm delighted to see the smooth opening of our nation's largest-ever floral show."
Praising Changhua as a "genuine floral county, " Chen said Changhua has set a model for the development of Taiwan's "new agriculture."
He promised that his administration will fully support Weng's ambitious plan to develop Changhua into a national floral park. He also urged local people to take advantage of the upcoming Chinese New Year holiday to visit the dazzling floral show in Changhua.