Taipei - The 2009 Taipei International Cycle Show opened Tuesday with nearly 800 exhibitors showcasing products and designs.

The four-day show was expected to attract 30,000 potential buyers. A total of 938 bike producers from 55 countries submitted entries to a design contest.

Taiwan used to be known as the "Bicycle Kingdom," but has shifted from mass-producing ordinary bikes to producing only high-end models in recent years.

According to the Taiwan Bicycle Exporters' Association, the island exported 5.4 million bikes worth 1.4 billion US dollars in 2008, up 14 per cent and 32 per cent from 2007 respectively.

The average price for a Taiwan-made bike has risen to 257 US dollars, up from 222 US dollars in 2007.

"This shows the quality of Taiwan-made bikes is improving and Taiwan is changing from a contract manufacturer into an innovator with its own brands," the association said. (dpa)