An industry group in Taiwan composed of semiconductor and electronic companies is looking to work with counterpart associations in the Philippines in conducting trade shows that could pave the way for business partnerships between Taiwanese and Filipino companies.

The best way to acquaint Filipino electronics companies with those from Taiwan is through exhibits and trade shows, said Roger Liao, international affairs deputy director of the Taiwan Electrical and Electronic Manufacturer"s Association (TEEMA).

TEEMA is composed of more than 4,400 member companies, which accounted for almost half of Taiwan"s total electronics export last year valued at around US$17.4 billion. Taiwan"s hi-tech industry is engaged in semiconductor, color imaging, digital content and biotechnology.

In a recent gathering conducted by the Commission on Information and Communication Technology (CICT), representatives from seven member companies of TEEMA talked about their respective products and services before an audience composed of counterparts from local electronics companies.

If we could find a good trade show here, we can bring more Taiwanese companies to participate, Liao said in an interview with Computerworld Philippines. Among TEEMA"s activities is to participate in trade shows abroad.

TEEMA"s visit is also meant to ramp up the Taipei International Electronics or Taitronics trade show scheduled next month. The show will feature 1,500 Taiwanese electronics manufacturing companies as exhibitors.

Local industry associations are invited to this trade show and the Taiwanese government is offering to shoulder accommodations for Philippine participants, Liao said.

Speakers brought to the country by TEEMA include representatives from Goodwill Co. Action Co., UMEC, AsiaTek, Calex, TBLink and Starbex. These companies produce hardware and software-based products like voice-over IP, supply chain and LCD TV screens.

Partnerships between Taiwanese and Philippines companies can be in the form of joint venture agreements or outsourcing of manufacturing requirements,¡É Liao said.

"Taiwanese companies produce a wide range of products and services from hardware to wireless.

Liao said about three percent of SEIPI (Semiconductor and Electronics Industries in the Philippines, Inc.) member companies have parent operations in Taiwan. The association is composed of more than 200 companies that account for almost 80 percent of the country"s total electronics exports.