Taipei - Computex Taipei, the world's second largest computer show, began Tuesday with organizers expecting the fair to attract more than 35,000 overseas buyers.

President Ma Ying-jeou opened the fair, which occupies three halls at the Taipei World Trade Centre in downtown Taipei and the newly opened Nankang Exhibition Hall in the Taipei suburb. Ma visited both venues and said he hoped the exhibition would bring more business opportunities to Taiwan.

"Some 70 companies from 22 countries are participating in Computex Taipei 2008," Ma said. "They are expected to create 1.5 [billion] to 2 billion US dollars in business revenues and another 1 billion US dollars in tourism revenues."

The show has attracted 1,425 exhibitors who have set up 4,491 booths, up 30 and 53 per cent, respectively, from Computex 2007.

Besides showcasing the exhibitors' latest computer and wireless products, Computex Taipei will also focus on environmental friendly products.

"The world trend is to save energy and reduce carbon emissions, so information technology companies are thinking how they can create green products," said Walter Yeh, director of the organizer, Taiwan External Trade Development Council.

Many Taiwan companies plan to unveil their newest products at Computex Taipei, which runs until Saturday.

Taiwan is among the world's leaders in information technology but faces fierce competition from neighboring countries like Japan, South Korea and China. (dpa)