Telecom companies from emerging markets in Latin America and Africa are approaching Taiwanese companies such as Inventec Appliances Corp (英華達) about supplying mobile phones, a Taipei-based industry association said yesterday.
The companies plan to purchase entry-level mobile phones with color screens and networking equipment during the annual Taipei Telecommunications and Networking Show that starts on Friday, the Taipei Computer Association (
"The show provides an opportunity for overseas companies to learn more about Taiwan's handset industry," said Betty Lin (
The association is one of the show's organizers, which also include the Taiwan Electrical and Electronic Manufacturers' Association (
One out of every 10 cellphones around the globe is made by Taiwanese handset manufacturers, led by Compal Communications Ltd (華寶通訊), which makes phones for Motorola Inc of the US.
Lin said that a Brazilian telecom carrier was in talks with Inventec and High Tech Computer Inc (
Lin said two African firms are also looking for local partners for networking equipment supplies.
A Brazilian company made the biggest deal at last year's fair by ordering US$1 million worth of networking devices, Lin said.
Handset sales in Latin America are expected to grow 2.4 percent annually to 112.92 million units in 2009, from 102 million units last year, according to market research firm Gartner Inc. During the same period, overall handset sales would grow 7.7 percent annually to 1.09 billion units.
At present, around 400 overseas companies have registered for this year's
telecom fair, which was almost unchanged compared to the number of foreign
buyers last year, according to the organizers.
The show will run from Friday through Monday at the Taipei World Trade
Center Exhibition Hall I. It will be free for buyers but tickets will cost
NT$100 for the general public.
RSS