MOEA to Hold Taiwan-export Promotion Mar. 30-Apr. 2

Taipei, Jan. 14, 2009 (CENS)--With global export forecast to drop 13% this year, the Ministry of Economic Affairs (MOEA) is going to hold a source Taiwan products event in Taipei targeting global buyers slated from March 30 to April 2, 2009.

Director general of the Bureau of Foreign Trade under MOEA C.P. Huang indicated that Global Insight, a world-leading forecaster, predicts worldwide exports this year might decline by 13% due to the foreseeable sluggish global market. So, to spark Taiwan exports, MOEA will hold an event to invite global leading companies to Taiwan for sourcing opportunities.

Huang disclosed that so far more than 96 enterprises globally totaling 1,128 potential buyers have expressed interest in the event, including such famous firms as Vodafone of the U.K., SSI Schaefer Shop GbmH of Germany, and Air Computer of Argentina.

In addition, Taiwan External Trade Development Council (TAITRA), the government-back trade promoter, is inviting Wolseley Group, a large British purveyor of building products, and Peugeot Citroen Group, the largest French automaker, to Taiwan for the event.

TAITRA said Wolseley is the world's largest supplier of building materials and purchased DT in 2006, the Denmark-based DIY tool chain in Northern Europe. In 2007 Wolseley's global purchase reached US$27.5 billion and the company is expected to buy products estimated at US$29 million or around NT$100 million on the trip to Taiwan, mainly fasteners, hardware, bathroom accessories, building materials, and different kinds of lamps, particularly LED, energy-saving, and specific lamps for working areas.

This official event to promote Taiwan export is expected to bring in orders worth NT$160 billion (US$5 billion at US$1 = NT$32).