Taipei Cycle show day 1

At today’s opening ceremony of the 2010 Taipei International Cycle show (almost tomorrow as it’s 11:26pm Taipei time), TBEA Chairman Ying-Ming Yang proudly noted that the event is on course to overtake Interbike. Interbike is known as the world's number two international bicycle show after Germany's Eurobike.

After an intriguing opening art performance that combined live sand painting showing how the bicycle can contribute to preserving the environment, TAITRA Chairman Dr. Chih-Kang Wang welcomed VIP guests including Giant Chairman King Liu, Japan Bicycle Association Chairman Yoshizo Shimano and Ernesto Colnago, founder of the famed Italian bikemaker.

He said this year's record-breaking show would host 894 exhibitors using 3,018 booths - he noted that since the official capacity of the Nangang Exhibition Center is 2,000 booths, corridors and additional rooms were being used. As many as 50,000 visitors are expected to walk through the doors at Nangang this year.

Wang said that the strength of Taiwan's bike industry was reflected by its relatively small decline in exports during a difficult 2009. Not sure how he came up with the fact that 2009 had a small decline, with overall exports dropped 20%. He stated that complete bike shipments fell just 9.9% and parts exports declined by just 6%. He attributed the strength of the industry to steady investment in R&D and branding. One thing for sure, those who invest and advertise in a down turn, will prosper in the end. I know it sounds strange but it’s true.

TBEA Chairman Yang - proudly noted that Taipei was set to take over the number two spot in international show rankings, surpassing Interbike this year due to the poor health of the US economy. He also noted that the industry was not afraid of competition from China (probably cause most Taiwan based manufactures are now open manufacturing facilities in China). The TBEA has asked the government to include the bicycle sector in free trade negotiations with China. "We feel we're able to compete, thanks to our R&D and branding efforts," he said. The Exporters' Association is also expanding its membership, "So I feel our industry is strong," he added.

Yang's sentiments were echoed by Kuo-Hsin Liang, Vice Minister of Economic Affairs, who pointed out that the average export price for bicycles of US$291 (take note people) was higher than that for notebook computers. Referring to the free trade negotiations with China, Liang said "The Taiwan bicycle industry is not afraid of competition." "We hope the whole world will reduce duties on bicycles to zero," he added.

At the close of the ceremony, the winners of the annual Innovative Products contest took the stage. The Best Innovation Award went to Giant Manufacturing Co. Ltd. For its Trinity Advanced SL, the Best Latest Fashion Award was presented to JD Components for its Eagle e-bike, while SRAM Taiwan scooped the prize for Best Practicality with its XX MTB drivetrain.