Computer maker Lenovo will buy about $2.7 billion of electronics products from Taiwan when it joins a delegation on a trade visit to the island this week, an official said on August 19.
The figure is more than twice the $1.2 billion expected to be spent by the other members of the delegation, according to the official at the Taiwan External Trade Development Council. It is also almost three times more than one billion dollars spent in two previous trade visits.
It is expected that among Lenovo's order will be notebooks, flat screens and mainboards.
The sale will give a boost to Taiwan as it relies heavily on its electronics exports, which have been battered by the slump in global trade caused by the economic downturn.
The trade council said Lenovo is one of 64 Chinese companies, including Sinosteel, visiting Taiwan on the trip. The delegation is led by China's Association of Economy and Trade Across Taiwan Straits. Chinese commerce ministry spokesman Yao Jian said that the trip will take place from August 19-20 and will be aimed at buying mainly petrochemical, machinery, electronics and textile products.
The trade council said the visit is one of 22 expected to take place this year and represents a further thawing of relations between Taiwan and its giant neighbor.
Taiwan's ruling administration, led by Ma Ying-jeou, has made improving ties with Beijing a priority since it came to power in May 2008, and is currently pushing for improved trade links. China still regards Taiwan as part of its territory awaiting reunification, by force if necessary, although the two sides have been governed separately since the end of a civil war in 1949.
Copyright Agence France-Presse, 2009
