Malta will be taking part in a 10-day food exhibition at the famous Dong Hang Hotel in China next month to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Guangdong Friendship Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries.

Malta China Friendship Society president Reno Calleja explained that Malta had received the invitation through the Malta China Friendship Society (MCFS), and the festival will open on 25 July in Guangzhou.

Malta will feature prominently in three main events.

Sixteen dancers from the Msida Dance Centre will be taking part in the celebrations, Said International Ltd will set up an exhibition of Maltese stamps and coins, while two chefs and a patissier from the Westin Dragonara will be creating Maltese food dishes for the fair.

Maypole Bakery director Mario Debono will also participate in the fair, presenting a range of traditional Maltese bread.

Mr Calleja explained that Malta will receive tremendous exposure through this event.

“A large number of TV stations and newspapers will cover the event, presenting Malta to over 400 million Chinese and Asians.”

He pointed out that the initiative of the MFCS had saved the Malta Tourism Authority thousands of liri worth of publicity.

Free accommodation will be provided for the dancers from the Msida Dance Centre and a large hall will also be provided free of charge for the stamp and coin exhibition.

Ingredients for the Maltese dishes will be provided by the Dong Fang Hotel, which will also offer free accommodation for the chefs and Maltese members of the delegation.

Mr Calleja added that Maypole Bakery hopes to set up a Maltese bakery in Guangdong and introduce several Maltese delicacies like the famous Maltese cheesecake.

The Westin Dragonara will offer five free holidays on full board accommodation to five winners of a raffle that will be organised in China.