egypt expands role on global technology stage
ITIDA and Dubai World Trade Centre Collaborate to Promote Regional Cooperation within IT and Telecommunications Sector
Regional and international companies have identified Egypt as a key growth market in a number of key areas including telecommunications and networking, consumer technology and IT solutions, say senior executives from Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) at a meeting in Cairo yesterday.
According to a recent report commissioned by ITIDA (Information Technology Industry Development Agency), Egypt’s communication and information technology exports are currently estimated at over US $250 million and is on track to realise annual IT exports of $1.5 billion by the year 2010 - figures which represent a vast opportunity for the industry.
Egypt is already the largest telecom market in North Africa, representing an estimated 4% of the country’s GDP. The resilient Egyptian economy has helped stimulate this steady growth, along with major injections of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) from regional and international investors.
To build upon this important development opportunity, ITIDA and Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) are intensifying the collaborative effort to encourage the highest number of Egyptian participants and trade visitors in this year’s GITEX TECHNOLOGY WEEK, and will be working closely to bring a high-level official delegation to the exhibition.
“The Egyptian ICT industry has so much to offer to GITEX TECHNOLOGY WEEK, and we are pleased to be sending a strong delegation to showcase our technological innovation and identify new business opportunities. This is an encouraging time for our industry as many companies are beginning to look beyond borders to new markets and successfully compete on a regional and even international scale,” said Mohamed Omran, head of ITIDA.
UAE telecom giant Etisalat has already identified Egypt as a huge potential market, having recently entered as the country’s third mobile operator as part of their aggressive new investment strategy across the Middle East and Africa – a move that represented Egypt’s single largest FDI in 2006.
“Egypt represents one of the most dynamic developing markets within the ICT industry, as major Egyptian technology companies are taking a leadership position by introducing and driving technological innovations throughout the region,” said Abdulla Qassem, General Manager at Dubai World Trade Centre, organiser of GITEX TECHNOLOGY WEEK. “We look forward to a strong Egyptian presence at GITEX TECHNOLOGY WEEK and welcome their continued support,” he added.
GITEX TECHNOLOGY WEEK will act as an essential forum to demonstrate the latest products and services from the Egyptian market, with the show’s new positioning providing an even more targeted platform for exhibitors to access global players and exchanging key industry knowledge.
Focusing on the region’s fastest growing sectors, GITEX TECHNOLOGY WEEK has streamlined this year’s show according to industry into three sector-focused segments – Consumer Electronics, Business Solutions, and GULFCOMMS – taking place in separate halls to provide a value-added exhibitor experience.
Also new to the exhibition this year is GITEX TECHNOLOGY WEEK Global Conference, a series of insightful seminars, conferences and networking sessions, designed for the ICT industry to network and exchange ideas on some of its most critical challenges and opportunities.
In addition, everyone’s attention will be grabbed by the first-ever consumer electronics product fashion show - an innovative display of the latest consumer technology trends showcased on a lively fashion-inspired runway.
The trade exhibition has become the region’s most important procurement platform, with many major deals signed every year, and both groups are keen to ensure that Egyptian companies receive maximum exposure to the world market.
GITEX TECHNOLOGY WEEK will run from 8-12 September 2007 at Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre (DICEC), held in association with GITEX Shopper, which takes place from the 6-12 September 2007 at the Airport Expo Dubai.
