Oct 28, 2001

Despite the global technology downturn, Taiwan's information appliance (IA) industry continues its strong growth, leveraging the information technology infrastructure developed over the last two decades, the Committee for Information Industry Development of Taiwan's Ministry of Economic Affairs said in a press release.

The production value of Taiwan made IAs is forecast to hint US$1.81 billion in 2001, up 46% over 2000, according to a recent report by the government-backed Market Intelligence Center (MIC)

"Taiwan has developed a strong base by gaining control of the production of key components such as semiconductors, TFT/STN LCD panels, and mobile communications technology, thus building a vertically integrated industry" said Dr. Hwang Tai-yang, director of the Office of Committee for Information Industry Development. "We are now focused on developing technology platforms with our international partners to proliferate the use of IA products around the world.

Dr Hwang was speaking to industry leaders at the Information Appliance Alliance forum in Taipei. Established in February 2000, the alliance brings together research institutes, universities, industry and government to map out the future direction of the IA industry.

The Alliance, administered by the Ministry of Economics and the Institute for Information Industry (III), is also responsible for encouraging international cooperation with domestic developers. The IAAA has already forged technology alliances with Fujitsu, IBM, Intel, Sony and TI.

"The key to continued success in IA's is to build close technology exchanges and development of relationships with major international IT vendors", explained Dr. Hwang. "This strategy is an extension of the way the PC industry was developed here."

The MIC expects Taiwan PDA makers to deliver a total of 2.27 million units in 2001, up 86,9% from 2000, with production value reaching US$533 million, up 136,9% from last year.

Office of the Committee for Information Industry Development, MOEA

This office was established under the Ministry of Economic Affairs in December 1995, with a mandate to drive the growth of emerging technology industries in Taiwan and Position Taiwan as a regional technology hub. The OCIID acts as a bridge between government and business. The OCIID acts as bridge between government and business, to strengthen Taiwan's position in the global technology chain by commissioning research and creating development strategies for key industries. It conducts industry seminars, briefings, and international road shows to introduce new technologies to Taiwan's industries, while raining awareness of global market opportunities. The OCIID also seeks technology transfers and investment from international companies.