Taipei - The 2009 Taipei International Invention Show opened in Taipei Thursday to showcase the island's innovation capabilities. Vice Premier Vincent Siew opened the exhibition at the Taipei World Trade Centre by welcoming some 600 exhibitors from 16 countries and regions.
"The further the economy declines, the more important it is for us to hold on to a solid foundation, strive for innovation and boost our competitiveness," he said.
The themes of the four-day show are smart life, biotech & medical care, and a green future.
Exhibits range from housewares to chemicals, textiles, machine tools, consumer electronics, stationery and office equipment, and sports and leisure goods.
But most visitors were attracted by small inventions that makes life easy, like the rice bowl made from soya bean residue which can be eaten after the meal.
There was also an umbrella with a handle that shows ultraviolet radiation levels to help users decide if umbrella use is necessary or not. Last but not least, visitors could check out underwear outfitted with a tube to allow women to urinate into a special container if stuck in traffic.
During the exhibition, the organizer will hold 12 news conference to launch new inventions and 14 seminars to discuss new trends, technologies and intellectual property rights.
The exhibition, which will conclude with the issuing of the Taipei Invention Award, is expected to lure 85,000 visitors.
