TAIPEI (Taiwan News) – Taiwan sent orchids decorated with the flag of Singapore to the Southeast Asian country for the 60th anniversary of its independence, reports said Saturday.
Taiwan’s representative office in Singapore had the flowers dyed red and white using nanotechnology, per CNA. The orchids symbolize Singapore’s national flag and the expression “SG60” marks Saturday’s anniversary.
Taiwan envoy Tung Chen-yuan (童振源) said Singapore was experienced in “orchid diplomacy,” naming flowers after visiting heads of state and celebrities. With the gift, Taiwan was not only displaying its friendship with Singapore, but also its technological prowess. One out of every six orchids in the world is exported from Tainan, Tung added.
The envoy also published a book about Singapore’s history under the title “Wise Beyond its Size: 60 Lessons from 60 Years of Singapore,” CNA reported. Tung said he considered it to be a present that would boost friendship and understanding between the two countries.
Taiwan is Singapore’s fourth-largest trading partner, while Singapore is Taiwan’s sixth-largest trade partner. Semiconductors and electronics occupy the majority of goods traded between the two.
