Cycle, sporting goods shows open in Taipei

2015-03-20

Taipei International Cycle Show kicked off March 18, underscoring Taiwan’s reputation as one of the most comprehensive markets in Asia for procuring bicycles and related services.

“This world-class event is helping position Taiwan as a leader in what is a growth industry of the 21st century,” said Liang Kuo-hsin, chairman of show organizer Taiwan External Trade Development Council (TAITRA). “We expect to see healthy sales figures and an increased number of opportunities for local firms going forward.”

Running through March 21, the event is taking place at Taipei World Trade Center and TWTC Nangang exhibition halls. A total of 1,104 suppliers from home and abroad are showcasing their latest offerings and R&D results at 3,307 booths, with more than 10,000 buyers from around the world taking part.

Headline participants include the EU Pavilion by the Association of the European Two-Wheeler Parts’ and Accessories’ Industry, the largest French Pavilion to date by Business France, as well as the first ever Japanese Pavilion organized by Japan Bicycle Promotion Institute.

In addition to product launches and forums, the shows also feature the fourth Taipei Cycle d&i Awards. Jointly organized by Taiwan Bicycle Association and iF International Forum Design, the awards attracted 209 entries from 15 countries and territories, up 13 percent from a year ago.

Of the 57 awarded works, six won gold, illustrating three distinct industrywide development trends—integration of bicycles and digital applications, use of eco-friendly materials and implementing more user-friendly designs for recreational cyclists.

According to TBA statistics, exports of locally made bicycle parts grew 13.04 percent to US$1.04 billion in 2014. Shipments of complete bikes dropped 2 percent to 3.75 million units, with 55.44 percent going to the EU.

TAITRA attributed the decline to the impact of economic downturn, but said it was offset by a 1.85 percent rise in average unit prices. This kept the value of exports at US$1.72 billion, 0.19 percent under that from the year before.

Running concurrently at the TWTC, Taipei International Sporting Goods Show is emerging as a global platform for related exchanges and trade.

A highlight is the All-Stars Awards, organized by the Department of Industrial Technology under the Ministry of Economic Affairs. A total of eight firms received excellence awards this year.

TAITRA said the winning entries reflect the need for products that are lightweight, multifunctional and convenient to store. Fitness equipment is also becoming more integrated with medical rehabilitation functions in order to meet the demand of Taiwan’s aging society.

Source: Taiwan Today (http://taiwantoday.tw/ct.asp?xItem=228467&CtNode=413)