The 2005 International Consumer Electronics Show (CES) attracted a record number of foreign companies to the world's largest showcase of consumer electronics technology and products, the Consumer Electronics Association (CEA)said Friday.

More than 50,000 square feet of the CES International Pavilion at the Las Vegas Hilton Hotel were filled, up 10,000 square feet from 2004. A total of 524 foreign companies, 200 of them newcomers,were showcasing their products, compared to 324 last year.

France and Denmark were among 35 countries that sent delegations to the CES for the first time. And the square footage for the booths of two longtime CES participants, China's Hong Kongand Taiwan, also increased dramatically.

Other exhibitors are from Chinese mainland, Singapore, the United Kingdom and Malaysia. Dozens of firms from Chinese mainland attended the 2005 CES, and many of them participated in the show for the first time.

The exhibitors in the International Pavilion are mainly smaller companies, who primarily produce computer products and accessories.

Major Japanese, South Korean and European consumer electronics manufactures, such as Sony, Panasonic, Samsung, usually occupy major exhibition areas in the CES' Central Hall at the Las Vegas Convention Center.

The exhibition area of Taiwan in the Hilton Hotel is the largest in terms of square footage and number of delegates. There were 400 companies from the Chinese island province attending the 2005 CES, up from 150 last year.

An exhibitor for more than 20 years, the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), has a delegation comprising 65 companies at this year's CES, which runs Jan. 6-9 in Las Vegas.

Tony Wong, director of the HKTDC's Los Angeles office, said Hong Kong suppliers have long identified CES as the place to do business with international buyers, especially those from Europe and Southern America.

Carole Russo, national accounts manager for CES sales and business development, said the CEA was pleased to see the increased presence at this year's CES.

"The solid growth from our existing partners and new growth will bring more recognition to CES and help our participants. This will allow our companies to make more deals and open up their universe of possibilities," she said.

Source: Xinhua