Deputy Minister of Culture Kevin Peng (彭俊亨, second left)

Taipei, Aug. 1 (CNA) A total of 22 trailblazing creative brands have been selected under a program to be showcased at trade shows this year in New York, Paris and Bangkok to promote Taiwanese innovation and products, the program's organizers said Thursday.

The 22 brands, which range from products such as angled table clocks and one-piece leather bags to electric wine aerators, were selected to be part of the 2019 Fresh Taiwan program, which plans to showcase Taiwanese products at NY Now Aug. 11-14, Maison & Objet Paris Sept. 6-10, and Style Bangkok 2019 Oct. 17-21.

Kevin Peng (彭俊亨), deputy minister of culture, whose ministry is organizing Fresh Taiwan, said the purpose of the program is to elevate the profile of Taiwan's design industry at international trade fairs.

"The program is about us as a country helping to promote outstanding Taiwanese products so that they can be seen by people around the globe," Peng said.

The promotion of cultural and creative brands is an important core aspect of cultural promotion, which helps integrate culture and everyday living, Peng said.

Among the brands to be showcased is Studio Smoll, makers of the Twins_DIY Leather Tote Bag, which is made from folding one piece of leather to create symmetrical and independent compartments. Studio Smoll will be exhibiting at NY Now and Maison & Objet Paris.

Tsai Chen-yu (蔡鎮宇), co-founder of Studio Smoll, expressed the advantages of being part of the program, which will introduce his brand and products to more people.

"Our products are still relatively new and that might cause a certain lack of trust for some consumers, so being exhibited on an international level will help buyers know more about our products," Tsai said.

Another brand that is part of the program is [bi.du.haev], which will showcase its products at Maison & Object Paris and Style Bangkok.

Karen Yeh (葉佳文) said her company's design motto is to create sleek features made of natural materials such as wood, glass and brass.

Since the launch of the Fresh Taiwan program in 2012, a total of 320 labels have been showcased at 34 international trade shows in 92 cities across 31 countries, Peng said.

Twins_DIY Leather Tote Bag

The TIPA tea set - Deluxe

Deputy Minister of Culture Kevin Peng (彭俊亨, front, fourth left) with representatives of the showcased Taiwanese cultural and creative brands

(By William Yen)
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