Under the auspices of H.E. Dr. Tarek Kamel, Minister of Communication and Information Technology, The 11th International Telecommunication, Information Technology, Networking, Computing & Broadcast Technology Trade Fair & Forum for the Arab World & North Africa convenes for its 11th round from 4 to 7 February at the Cairo International Conferences Center. The trade fair and forum is held this year under the slogan “The Shape of Things to Come” and is officially sponsored by Telecom Egypt. Etisalat-Egypt is also the event’s platinum sponsor, while ITIDA in addition to other 20 international and Egyptian companies are main sponsors and staunch supporters of Cairo ICT 2007.
In its 11th round, with a exhibitors’ growth rate of 25%, and where the participation of international corporations has extended by 11%, Cairo ICT seeks to jump unto a new phase opening up new horizons for effective presence on the international exhibitions stage. Such a step would enable Cairo ICT to spur the information and communications technology industry in the Arab region to reach for a whole new wider business vista. The features of such a new trend are highlighted through the bolstering efforts of the Ministry of communication and information technology represented in its subsidiary authority ITIDA; the invitation of a number of regional journalists; in addition to the presence, attendance, and participation of businessmen delegations from Finland, Taiwan, China, various African countries, and a huge number of specialized businessmen from the Arab region.
Cairo ICT 2007 Slogan, “The Shape Of Things To Come”, draws out a new vision for what could be achieved in the future, when it comes to ICT applications and solutions for home, office, education, services, and entertainment. This new vision is precisely what the participating enterprises will be showcasing during Cairo ICT 2007. Moreover, it will be the focal point of the forum held on the sidelines of the exhibition, which is considered the most renowned and recognized event in the region gathering officials and industry tycoons under one umbrella to discuss the challenges and difficulties ahead of us, as well as the possible technological solutions for them.
Industrial Sector Collaboration
The most prominent factor about this year’s round is the collaboration of all industry contributors, be it international corporations, local entities, government, or media. This collaboration was highly noticeable in the press conference that was organized few days before the opening of Cairo ICT 2007, and that was honored with the presence of Eng. Mohamed Omran CEO of ITIDA, Eng. Azza Turk CEO of TEdata, Eng. Karim Ramadan Microsoft Egypt General Manager, Dr. Effat El Shooky Regional Vice President of RITSEC, and Eng. Saleh El Abdooli CEO of Etisalat Egypt. The press conference was moderated by Mr. Ossama Kamal, Managing Director of TradeFairs, Cairo ICT’s organizing company.
Mr. Ossama started the press conference, which was attended by more than 200 Egyptian journalists, saying: “With an exhibitors’ growth rate of 25%, and where the participation of international corporations has extended by 11%, Cairo ICT seeks to jump unto a new phase opening up new horizons for effective presence on the international exhibitions stage. Such a step would enable Cairo ICT to spur the information and communications technology industry in the Arab region to reach for a whole new wider business vista, by not only being technology consumers, but rather providers and developers. This year’s round is considered a inauguration of a new era in the history of Cairo ICT.”
“The features of such a new trend are highlighted through the bolstering efforts of the Ministry of communication and information technology represented in its subsidiary authority ITIDA, which showed an exceptional supporting spirit that we hope would reach the level of partnership in the upcoming rounds, as we hold the same goal aiming at playing a vital role in the ICT industry on the regional and international levels.” added Mr. Kamal.
In addition, Mr. Ossama asserted: “The event is launched this year at a crucial timing witnessing a significant leap in the field of information and communications technology. The whole new liberation trend of the ICT services is expected to pump the economic development process way ahead, while the Arab markets are gradually healing. The ICT sector is currently enjoying development rates fluctuating between 20 – 35% among the region’s states according to international institutions reports. While the total amount of investments in infrastructure projects announced for implementation along the upcoming few years has amounted to $1 billion in the Gulf region solely.”
The Official Trade Fair
Mr. Mohamed Omran, ITIDA CEO mentions that the success of any industry is based on various factors, most important of all is the presence of an event that is capable of gathering all industry parties. Mr. Omran also stressed on the importance of supporting Cairo ICT to become a world-class event by the year 2010. Mr. Omran also stated that the presence of the forum is one of the advantages that have made Cairo ICT a one-of-a-kind event.
“Cairo ICT is and has always been a reflection of the development in the ICT sector in Egypt, as it presents an opportunity to measure the strength of the local market and the Egyptian enterprises. The company is heavily supported by the Egyptian government, which is obviously shown in the presence of H.E. Dr. Ahmed Nazif, Egyptian Prime Minister, and H.E. Dr. Tarek Kamel, Minister of Communication and Information Technology.” added Omran.
“ITIDA is seeking to move with the Trade Fair and Exhibition from a local to a regional event through inviting 15 journalists and analysts and 15 prospect clients from the region for the enterprises” said Omran.
Vista and Office
Microsoft Egypt General Manager, Karim Ramadan, said: “Microsoft has always been keen to participate in Cairo ICT that is evolving every year that passes by” Ramadan added: “This year Microsoft will be competing on more than one level, as Windows Vista and Office System 2007 will be launched for users during the Trade Fair in the Shopper area”
Ramadan has unveiled some details regarding Microsoft Development Conference “MDC” saying that the conference is expected to be attended by more than 3000 developers. He also mentioned that Microsoft’s booth will witness the participation of a number of local partners.
Etisalat Egypt
Etisalat Egypt will be introduced to the Egyptian market for the first time within Cairo ICT 2007. Eng. Saleh El Abdooli, CEO of Etisalat Egypt says that Etisalat’s participation is the first official one under the name of Etisalat Egypt, however, this does not negate the fact that Etisalat has participated various times before representing the mother company “Etisalat”.
“Being the Platinum Sponsor, the participation of Etisalat Egypt is expected to be exceptional and full of surprises.” said El Abdooli.
Finnish Delegation
Dr. Efat El Shooky, RITSEC Vice President, affirmed that Cairo ICT is an opportunity to create international cooperation paths in the ICT field.
El Shooky added that two cooperation agreements shall be signed during Cairo ICT between Egypt and Finland.
Telecom Egypt
Eng. Azza Turk, TEdata CEO emphasized on Telecom Egypt’s support to ICT being the Official Sponsor. Turk added that Telecom Egypt seeks to boost Cairo ICT’s image on the regional and international level, asserting the importance of the media in playing an interactive role to advance Egypt’s most prominent Exhibition and Forum.
Four Halls
“Cairo ICT 2007 will be spread among 4 halls” said Sarah Abo Douma, Cairo ICT Event Director.
“Various events will take place in Cairo ICT in its 11th round, represented in the presence of Etisalat Egypt for the first time and Vodafone’s 3G applications demos, in addition to various events taking place within the trade fair and exhibition.” added Abo Douma.
8 Ministers
“The forum continues to tackle the most important ICT issues that matter to the Arab region and the Globe” says Mona Mahmoud, Cairo ICT Forum Manager.
Cairo ICT 2007 will witness the participation of 8 ministers. H.E. Dr. Tarek Kamel, Minister of Communication and Information Technology, H.E. Dr. Yousef Botros Ghaly, Minister of Finance, and H.E. Dr. Mahmoud Mohey El Din Minister of Investment will be speaking during the opening session of the Forum.
Various session will observe the presence of other members of the cabinet, where different topics will be presented and discussed.
The Shopper
“This year, the shopper area will appear in an astonishing outfit, as 250% of space increase has been generated for the Shopper area” said Ahmed Mohsen, Cairo ICT Shopper Area Manager “The Mall”.
“The Mall will be revealing a collection of digital solutions and products like Intel’s processors, Windows Vista, 3G compatible cell phones and a variety of laptop computers” added Mohsen.
About Cairo ICT:
Cairo ICT Trade Fair and Forum is the oldest specialized events taking place in North Africa and Levant. The first Cairo ICT was held in 1996 and has ever since then been home for hosting and launching major Egyptian and Arab ICT initiatives. The exhibition showcases latest technology products and solutions in fields of ICT, networks, computing, satellites, and broadcast systems. Over the past 10 years, the exhibition has attracted more than 500 thousand specialized visitors and over 4500 Egyptian, Arab, and multinational companies, as the exhibition is directed to business, investment, and many other development sectors. Cairo ICT also includes a shopper area under the name "The Mall".
