The European parliament in Brussels is to host an important exhibition showcasing the multi-faceted face of Taiwan.
The event is aimed at raising general awareness of Taiwan, a relatively small country on the other side of the world but one which is steeped in history and often punches well above its weight.
It features wonderful photographs detailing Taiwan's rich cultural heritage as well as the technical brilliance which has help it become the 18th biggest economy in the world, well ahead of much bigger countries.
Called "Taiwan plugging into the world," the exhibition features a large number of images, the work of some of the country's top photographers, of Taiwan's natural beauty and splendour.
This is neatly contrasted with photographs recording some of the inventions and technologies which have helped transform Taiwan from a largely agricultural economy to one now world-renowned for its high-tech products.
This event is organized by Luxembourg centre-right MEP Astrid Lulling and the Taipei Representative Office to the EU and Belgium.
Mrs. Lulling, a member of parliament's Taiwan Friendship Group, said, "I am honoured to host a photo exhibition presenting Taiwanese culture and technology in the European Parliament.
"To a majority of Europeans, Taiwan is a relative unknown. Some associate it with the Peoples' Republic of China. Others will have noticed the indication "made in Taiwan" on the labels of the electronic appliances they use on a daily basis.
"Those who visit the exhibition will be able to see that Taiwan is much more than that. It is a beautiful country in its own right, with a proud culture and tradition. Furthermore, people will discover what the label "made in Taiwan" stands for: a rapidly growing, knowledge-based economy developing high-tech products to be used by each and every one of us.
"Therefore I hope the exhibition will be a success and will add to the diversity represented by the European Parliament."
The exhibition, in the Atrium on the 2nd floor of the PHS building, runs from 6 through 10 October and is open to anyone with access to Parliament.
