Feb. 16, 2001

The Market Intelligence Center of the government-backed Institute for Information Industry estimates that Taiwan's optic-telecom sector will report a compound annual growth rate of 102% for the 1999 - 2003 period, compared with the global average of 30%

The MIC pointed out that Taiwan's optic-telecom sector generated a value of US356.4 million in 2000 and will turn out US$3.13 billion in 2003. This industry ex expected to capture 4.4% of the global market this year, up from just over 1% last year and will grab 10% of the global market by 2003.

The fiber-optic and active and passive electronic components segments registered the healthiest growth. The MIC points out the output of Taiwan made fiber cable alone topped 314,600 core kilometers in 2000 and will reach 608,700 core kilometers this year.

Driven by strong demand, Taiwan's active electronic component segment will also grow sharply this year. MIC says that output by value of Taiwan's active electronic components industry reached US$47.9 million last year and will rise 169% to hit US$129 million this year, driven mainly by increase of transceiver sales.