SEMICON Taiwan 2004 opens during a “quiet period” in the industry. Following a positive first half, with audited results from Taiwan’s publicly declared companies submitted by the end of August, all eyes are now on the all-important fourth quarter. Equipment buyers have generally turned cautious, but new fab developments in Taiwan and China are driving the market. The industry is on the move, and SEMICON Taiwan is expected to indicate a positive fourth quarter.
“Capital spending by semiconductor companies in Taiwan is growing rapidly,” said George C. T. Lin, president of SEMI Southeast Asia. “Taiwan is expected to become the largest market in the world for semiconductor manufacturing technology next year, and semiconductor equipment and materials sales in the region will exceed US$15 billion by 2007. With these positive market trends, a strong exhibitor base and a compelling technical program schedule, we anticipate a very active SEMICON Taiwan.”
This year’s show is hosting over 600 companies in a net exhibit space almost 25% larger than last year. Set in the Taipei World Trade Center (TWTC), the show is occupying halls one and three. All visitors will be pleased by the proximity of the two halls and the neighboring Taipei 101, the “tallest building in the world,” which opened in November 2003 and offers Greater China’s largest English-language bookstore as well as a variety of restaurants and coffee shops.
International exhibitors will be present in force and special UK and France pavilions join the Compound Semiconductor (III-V) and MEMS pavilions in hall three. Hall three also hosts a range of other companies, SEMI’s booth and theater, and an Internet café with complimentary Internet access and free refreshments during set happy hours each day.
Article edited by Zoran Pavlovski
