The first Taiwanese delegation to attend the China Hi-Tech Fair has become one of the highlights of the fifth fair.

The delegation, organized by Taipei Computer Association, comprises 24 enterprises with 45 electronic products that were 2003 Taiwan Innovalue winners.

"We contacted the organizing committee of the CHTF hoping to attend the fair two years ago, but couldn't obtain enough booths so we waited until now," said Claire Hsieh, a senior executive of the Taipei-based Indeed Marketing Communication Consultancy who helped organize this year's delegation. The Taiwanese delegation has 30 booths with an area of 280 square meters at this year's fair.

"The fair, the biggest high-tech platform in South China, is well known among Taiwanese enterprises, which have been wanting to attend to expand business opportunities," said Ovy Lin, deputy executive director of the Taipei Computer Association.

By Tuesday, every participating company had an average of six to seven interested clients preparing to sign contracts, Lin said. He anticipated more Taiwanese firms would attend next year when the new CHTF exhibition center opens.

There are more than 3,000 Taiwan-funded firms in Shenzhen, most of which are involved in electronics, electrical appliances, furniture and toy manufacturing.

(Shenzhen Daily October 16, 2003)