The TAIPEI CYCLE exhibition, hosted by the Taiwan External Trade Development Council (TAITRA), commenced with great excitement at the Nangang Exhibition Center. Esteemed figures such as James Huang, Chairman of TAITRA; Robert Wu, Chairman of the Taiwan Bicycle Association; and Lin Chuan-Neng, Vice Minister of Taiwan's Ministry of Economic Affairs, were at the forefront, delivering their opening speeches for the occasion.
This year, the event showcases the involvement of 950 companies occupying 3,500 booths, establishing itself as the largest bicycle industry exhibition in Asia and a key commercial center for the global high-end bicycle industry supply chain. With nearly 4,000 international buyers from 90 countries already registered, the exhibition presents significant business prospects for the bicycle industry in the forthcoming year.
The opening ceremony was graced by founders and co-founders of leading cycling companies and associations from various parts of the world. With prestigious races such as the Professional Triathletes Organisation (PTO) Asian Open now known as the T100 Triathlon World Tour, returning to Singapore's shores in April and the annual OCBC Cycle, Singapore is poised as one of the biggest cycling markets in Southeast Asia to reap the advantages of these opportunities.
This year, TAIPEI CYCLE continues to enjoy steadfast backing from prominent national and international manufacturers such as Merida, Giant, KMC, SRAM, SHIMANO, Johnson, Dyaco, and DK City. Moreover, there has been a notable increase in the presence of diverse new exhibitors from various countries. Many startups also showcased their booths, with products primarily rooted and tested in Taiwan. However, the majority are eyeing expansion into Asia, with Singapore emerging as a primary target market and shared objective.
To explore new possibilities for the industry's digital advancement, TAIPEI CYCLE has introduced innovation and startup zones. The Bike Venture Startup Zone brings together 10 bicycle startups from 8 countries to showcase products and services in electrification, digital transformation of the supply chain, green sustainable solutions, and new business models. Additionally, the inaugural E-Cycling Pavilion offers 3D virtual riding software, intelligent training platforms, hill climbing simulators and riding experience systems, giving visitors insights into how online and offline cycling can be blended post-pandemic, providing online riding features for sports, training and social interaction.
This year's TAIPEI CYCLE emphasizes sustainability, highlighted by the Riding Towards Sustainability Forum. This forum gathers experts from the cycling industry to delve into the role of sustainability in fostering innovation and industry evolution. Notable speakers include Kevin Mayne, CEO of Cycling Industries Europe, and Adam Gardiner, Sustainability Manager at the renowned British cycling brand Rapha.
The World Bicycle Industry Association (WBIA) utilizes TAIPEI CYCLE as a platform for disseminating sustainable supply chain guidelines and industry best practices. Robert Wu, Chairman of the Taiwan Bicycle Association, emphasized the significance of sustainability during his speech at the opening ceremony. "We have but one Earth. Commencing the sustainability initiative today and maintaining it daily is imperative," he emphasized.