Yunlin Provides 90% of Taiwan's Towels, Featured at Flower Expo Carnival

In order to fully showcase the resilient vitality and transformation achievements of Yunlin’s local traditional industries, Kuomintang (KMT) legislator and Yunlin County magistrate candidate Zhang Jia‑jun held a press conference in Taipei today, officially announcing that a grand Yunlin Towel Carnival will be held on September 5 at the Taipei Flora Expo Park. The event is not only a local‑specialty exhibition and sales fair, but also aims to convey a striking industry statistic to the nation: nine out of ten towels manufactured in Taiwan come from Yunlin. Zhang hopes that, through the capital’s marketing platform, the public will rediscover Yunlin not only as a traditional agricultural county but also as a manufacturing power with nationwide prominence and strong international competitiveness.

Looking back at Yunlin County’s industrial development, the Huwei area has long been the stronghold of Taiwan’s towel industry, gathering the generational efforts of countless local family factories and small‑ and medium‑sized enterprises. However, over the past two decades, Taiwan’s traditional textile and towel sectors have faced severe challenges from globalization, especially the flood of low‑priced towels imported from mainland China and Southeast Asia, which have dealt a devastating blow to domestic producers. Confronted with a cost disadvantage, Yunlin towel makers have not opted to exit the market; instead, through collaboration among government, industry, academia and research, they have pursued refinement, functionalization and branding, employing strict quality control, non‑toxic certification and innovative design to carve a niche in the Taiwanese market.

Choosing the Taipei Flora Expo as the venue for the towel carnival carries deep strategic and socio‑political significance. As Taiwan’s political and economic core, Taipei boasts a large consumer base and strong media attention, making it the optimal stage for regional industries to speak to the nation. Zhang is actively promoting the event to dispel the lingering stereotype that Yunlin “only produces agricultural products and lacks industrial or technological strength.” By showcasing the advances and breakthroughs of local manufacturers in weaving techniques, consumers can understand that domestically produced Taiwanese towels not only surpass cheap imports in absorbency, durability and feel, but also embody the continuity of Taiwan’s craftsmanship spirit.

From a political and local‑governance perspective, Zhang’s vigorous marketing of Yunlin’s industry while running as a candidate highlights the policy blueprint she would pursue if she governs Yunlin County, emphasizing diversified industrial transformation. A mature local executive candidate cannot rely solely on traditional agricultural subsidies; she must also possess a macro vision for upgrading traditional sectors and opening domestic and overseas markets. The towel industry, as one of Yunlin’s foundations, illustrates the broader economic transition: moving from contract manufacturing to independent branding, and from domestic sales to export markets. The carnival will not only boost sales directly but also foster cohesion and confidence among local enterprises.

Looking ahead to the September 5 event, organizers plan a variety of exhibition booths where the public can purchase high‑quality domestic towels at affordable prices, as well as interactive experiences and industry‑story displays to bridge the gap between consumers and producers. Zhang calls on Taipei residents and citizens across Taiwan to attend the Flora Expo, shop, and support excellent Made‑in‑Taiwan products with concrete action. This is not merely a consumer act supporting local industry; it is a nationwide moment to witness Yunlin’s industrial strength, protect the domestic economic front, and demonstrate the indomitable resilience and limitless future potential of Taiwan’s traditional industries.

(Source: Central News Agency)