The representative blamed the economic downturn for what he said was a smaller turnout at the exhibition than last year.

The aisles of Chinese company booths were empty compared to other areas of the exhibition.

This was the first year Chinese companies were officially welcomed at Computex, though JCG was one of a group that attended last year by registering as Hong Kong-based companies. Political differences between Taiwan and China have kept the presence of Chinese firms to a minimum in the past, but growing bonds between people in both places has turned out to be a boon for business.

Over 130 Chinese companies had booths this year, according to TAITRA.

One first-time exhibitor, southern Chinese laptop vendor and designer Guangzhou Darling Industrial, also perceived a low turnout. The company did not secure the four to five business partners it expected to find, said a representative at the company's booth.