The International Touch Panel and Optical Film Exhibition is under way in Taipei. The expo showcases Taiwan’s latest touch panel and optical film technology. It will last through Friday at the Taipei World Trade Center’s Nangang Exhibition Hall.
At the opening on Wednesday, Economics Minister John Deng said Taiwan’s display industry is facing competition from China. He spoke about what the ministry is doing to help connect the industry to emerging markets.
“In the face of rapid changes and challenges in the industry, the economics ministry is continuing to not only push forward cross-strait collaboration, it’s also working to promote more innovative applications [of the technology], establish new standards, and improve the business environment [in Taiwan and China]," said Deng. "Meanwhile, the ministry will help local business connect with trade groups in emerging markets, and partner with brands and subcontracted manufacturers, to increase the number of export destinations.”
Also present at the expo’s opening ceremony was one of China’s top flat panel buyers, Bai Weimin, from the China Video Industry Association. During her last visit, in May, she pledged to buy US$4.5 billion worth of panels from Taiwan this year.
When Bai was asked on Wednesday whether she was planning to buy more, she said the figure would be higher than last year. In particular, she said there would be an increase in orders for smart products and hi-resolution panels.