Taiwenese firms perceive India as a virgin market for ICT biz: Chang

Mumbai, Oct 5 (UNI) Taiwanese companies have evinced interest in India as a virgin market with a huge potential for ICT (Information, Communication and Technology) business and announced their intention to invest in the country markedly.

They are all set to explore the Indian frontiers with an all new mantra 'Go South - to India'.

Senior representatives of Taiwan ICT companies in India such as Acer India, Asustek Computer Inc, D-Link, Gigabyte, Hi-Touch have today announced their future investment plans and new products for Indian Market, at a press briefing organised at the behest of Taipei World Trade Centre and Taiwan ICT.

Taipei World Trade Center's Director Thomas Chang stressed that ''It is precisely to achieve the goal of exhibiting the vitality of these Taiwan ICT companies and as such of this industry and of enhancing Taiwan ICT image and visibility in India we have initiated and organized this branding event.'' He also announced the growing presence of Taiwan's top five ICT brands in India - Acer, Asustek, BenQ, D-Link and Gigabyte. With the Indian economy surging ahead Taiwanese companies now recognize India as a market with a huge potential for ICT products. The aforementioned five companies have significantly increased the value of their brands from last year, with Asustek and Acer remaining at the top for the third consecutive year.

Mr Chang highlighted, ''India is a big market for Taiwan after China and Japan. Its enormous potential is evident from the fact that 60 plus Taiwanese companies are already operating in India and 100 plus companies will begin their operations by 2007.'' He further added, ''Foxconn International Holdings Ltd have started on a plan to build an industrial park in Chennai to produce electronic connectors and components. Foxconn has invested 120 million USD for the same. This is the largest hi-tech investment so far by a Taiwanese company in India and this is bound to attract some more Taiwan companies to follow in this Indian market.'' Speaking on the occasion Acer Indias' Managing Director W S Mukund said, ''Taiwan over the years has become a recognized leader in the global IT Hardware industry. Acer India has its roots in Taiwan, being global has helped us bring the latest tested technology to the Indian market and establish ourselves quickly as one of the leading IT vendors in India. We are extremely pleased to be a part of this forum of elite companies from Taiwan.'' Taiwanese investment in India has followed a very different pattern from that in mainland China, where Taiwanese hardware manufacturing companies have descended to use the expertise of India's software professionals and are planning to set up research, development and innovation centers.

India today offers two of the Top five Taiwan's industry sectors the best opportunity to expand - ICT and Semiconductor sectors which is expected to increase manifold by 2010.

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