"The association, representing 87 members, appreciated the cooperation and support of the RCCI, which coordinated with its members regarding the exhibition that was well-attended," said John Chen, director of TAMI's Business Division.

The exhibition proceeds to the Asharqia Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Dammam on Saturday (10 a.m. to 2 p.m.) and Sunday (8 a.m. to 2 p.m.).

Chen said many of the Saudi businessmen who visited the show did not expect to do business immediately with the 87 manufacturing firms represented by TAMI, but they expressed interest in what they saw as "quality industrial machinery products" that included machines for food processing, packaging, plastics extrusion, textile production, shoes and leather, machinery parts, mold and dies, sewing machines, valves and parts, among others.

Chen added that for quality, Taiwan cooperates with partners in Japan and Germany. "Because of such cooperation, the Taiwanese machinery manufacturers could work in tandem with counterparts in Japan and Germany to create new products," Chen said.

However, he stressed that for this to happen, the RCCI has to serve as a bridge between the Saudi businessmen and TAMI members in Taiwan. The RCCI could contact the Taiwanese Embassy in Riyadh to relay the information regarding what Saudi businessmen need in terms of machinery.

He also expressed confidence about a strong and meaningful collaboration between TAMI and Saudi businessmen.

"We at TAMI are confident about the quality and competitive prices of our industrial machinery products. This confidence to do business with Saudi counterparts is further bolstered by the strong economy of the Kingdom," Chen said.

He also revealed a plan for TAMI representatives to visit Saudi Arabia in the latter part of next year so that they personally meet with local businessmen.

"Such plan is proof of our firm belief that Taiwanese machinery manufacturers could do business with Saudi businessmen," Chen said.

With the exhibition and planned visit of TAMI members in 2011, it is expected that the bilateral trade volume between the Kingdom and Taiwan will increase. During the first quarter of 2010, the bilateral trade volume totaled SR14.9 billion, up 58.3 percent compared to the same period last year.