Face masks designed to protect wearers from inhaling radioactive particles were among a range of innovative products that attracted attention at a product fair in Taipei yesterday.
The fair is part of a series of events being held by the Ministry of Economic Affairs to help the nation’s small and medium-sized enterprises market new products and identify new opportunities for cooperative ventures with other companies.
A total of 30 new innovative products in such areas as biotechnology, information, communications and photoelectric technology, energy and environmental protection and healthy and sustainable living, were on show at the fair.
The face masks, one of the main eye-catchers at the fair in the wake of the earthquake and tsunami in Japan, are made of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) membranes and prevent wearers from inhaling airborne radioactive particles, the developers said.
It is expected that the masks will retail for between NT$15 (US$0.51) and NT$20 each when they reach the market said Hung Fan-ling (洪汎菱), an employee of Perfect Defense Technology Co (台灣美罩), which developed the product.
Hung said that Perfect Defense was participating in the event as a way of seeking out opportunities to partner with other companies and manufacture the new product.
Other noteworthy products at the fair included a nasal filter by Kiaya Co Ltd (季彩實業) that is designed to protect users from air pollutants and allergens, and a waterproof transparent wound dressing that, according to the developer, Oriental Development Co Ltd (亞東創新), helps cuts and burns heal faster.
More than 500 companies from across the nation were expected to attend the fair, creating business opportunities of over NT$1.4 billion Minister of Economic Affairs Shih Yen-shiang (施顏祥) said.
Taiwan was one of the first Asian countries to promote industry upgrading and transformation, Shih said.
The innovativeness of small and medium-sized enterprises is the driving force behind national economic development, he said.
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