Optoelectronics Industry Overview 

The Optoelectronics industry in Taiwan includes optical storage devices, optical input/ouput devices, optical fiber communications, optoelectronic components, optoelectronic displays and lasers and other optoelectronics application categories.  For almost a decade, the Taiwan optoelectronics industry has been recording average growth rates of 30% per year.  Last year the industry reported revenues of US $7.6 billion, a 40% increase over the previous year.  Growth for the year 2000 is expected to top 65%. 

Taiwan is currently the leading exporter of optoelectronics products, including LCDs, scanners, and CD-ROMs and layers.  The Silicon Island is second only to Japan at present in supplying LEDs with production expected to hit some US$1 billion at the end of 2000.  Last year a total of US$3.9 billion was invested in the Taiwan optoelectronics industry. 

Specifically, the optical fiber communication (OFC) sector has seen tremendous expansion over the past few years, with a 300% increase of production value from 1998 to 1999 totaling $230 million, and $360 million in 2000. The growth rate is predicted to be at least 32% in the coming years, which would make a total volume of $830 million.  Furthermore, in 2000 alone, the total production volume of Taiwan's OFC passive components (patchcords, connectors, couplers, etc.) had over $100 million, about 4% of the global market share.  Renowned for their flexibility and ability to meet strict quality control, these companies are the best choice to do global business with. 

The delegation is comprised of 14 of Taiwan's leading makers of optical fiber cables, passive components, active components, and communication systems.  They will come to Boston to meet with relative manufacturers in New England, as well as importers and distributors in order to create trade, technology and strategic alliance opportunities.

Photonics Industry & Technology Development Association (PIDA) Overview 

The Photonics Industry & Technology Development Association's objective is to work with private enterprises and government agencies to increase the competitiveness of Taiwan's optoelectronics industry.  Its primary missions are the following:  1.  To assist government in drafting policies for the optoelectronic industry. 2.  To provide consultation in technology and market trends.  3.  To assist technology transfer and to help investment.  4.  To promote international cooperation.  5.  To train optoelectronic field specialists.  More information about PIDA is available at its web site:  www.pida.org.tw.

China External Trade Development Council (CETRA) Overview

 The China External Trade Development Council is an independent, non-profit trade promotion organization of the Republic of China on Taiwan. More information about CETRA can be found at its web site:  www.tptaiwan.org.tw.