The Taipei International Electronics Spring Show, or Taitronics Spring, and the Taipei International Optoelectronics Show kicked off at the Taipei World Trade Center yesterday. The five-day shows, which opened to the public yesterday afternoon, saw a drop in exhibitors and visitors from last year, but there were plenty of interesting gadgets to see among the components, chips, cables and machinery.
"This year there are fewer people than last year," said Hsu Wei-guang (徐偉光), sales manager at Harvest Technology Group (豐禾科技), a manufacturer of small flat-screen televisions for cars and trucks. "There are certainly a lot fewer overseas visitors. I think it is because of SARS."
PHOTO: CHU PEI-HSIUNG, TAIPEI TIMES
Foreign exhibitors dropped by 72 percent on the first day of the show yesterday compared to last year, according to organizers the China External Trade Development Council (CETRA). Only 263 braved the show this year compared to 962 last year.
Exhibitors were nevertheless upbeat.
"I have met lots of new customers and have been very busy," said David Cheng (
Another exhibitor, however, said she had met some foreigners.
"It's been quite busy," said Maggie Tsai (
Tsai is looking for large retailers and shopping channels to market her products. Visitors to the show can snap up the "Dreamate" sleep-aid for NT$3,300.
Last year more than 30,000 visitors to Taitronics Spring saw electronics and flat-panel products from 550 exhibitors in 1,065 booths. This year that figure dropped to 400 exhibitors in 700 booths.
Although touted as an international show, Taitronics Spring attracted only 2,614 foreign buyers last year, which was a record, according to CETRA. The nation's largest exhibition -- Computex Taipei -- attracts more than 20,000 visitors from overseas.
Other smart devices include a wireless panic button on a key ring that can be activated discreetly during a bank raid. A firm press with two fingers on either side of the device alerts a central office or police station of a security breach.
"This system is very popular," said Leo Chen (
Travelers who need to recharge their mobile phones but don't have a plug adapter for their electric charger will welcome a battery charger from Li Ling Co (
Last year, electronics exports topped US$48 billion, according to CETRA. Taiwan makes 39 percent of the world's computer displays, 49 percent of all notebook computers, and 58 percent of all PC cameras, CETRA figures show.
In addition to components and electronics, three competing digital television service providers jostled for position on the show floor.
Multimedia on Demand from Chunghwa Telecom Co (
"We're here mainly because the competition is here," said Kent Ma (
The show runs through Tuesday. Tickets cost NT$200 at the door.
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