29/8/2006

Expotech Palestine – 2006: 3^rd Annual Information Technology Trade Show

The 3^rd annual “ExpoTech 2006” will be held in Al-Bireh, Palestine from 12-14 September under the auspices of Palestinian President Mahmmoud Abbas. The event is marked by the positive development of participation from Gaza-based computer and information technology companies. It is also a testament to the determination of the Palestinian economy to thrive despite apparently insurmountable difficulties.

The premier Palestinian technology trade show is jointly organized by the Palestine Information Technology Association (PITA) and Palestine Trade Center (PalTrade). This year’s event builds on the success of the show in the preceding two years and comes as a reflection of the Palestinian computer and IT technology community determination to advance the awareness and adoption of digital technologies in Palestine. ExpoTech has generated sizeable return to exhibitors and a great deal of attention for the Palestinian ICT (information and communication technology) sector among local public and private sector, as well as regional investors

The success of ExpoTech 2006 will be assured by the increased participation of 40 exhibitors, including, seven Gaza-based organization that take part in ExpoTech for the first time. “the Gaza participation in ExpoTech 2006 is like a dream come true for the ICT community! Said Safa' Abdel Rahman (PITA executive director). The Gaza-based companies will have a special pavilion equipped with broadband Internet Access to facilitate communications with Expo visitors. In addition, she stated, interactive virtual tours of the exhibition will be organized in order to give the chance to interested Palestinians from the Gaza Strip to view the participant’s displays and communicate with them.

“ICT…Bridging Palestine” being the main theme for ExpoTech 2006 this year reflects the leading role ExpoTech plays in linking Palestinians to the latest international developments in the digital information technology world. The exhibition serves as link for Palestinians tin Gaza Strip and the West Bank together; it also serves as an important link for Palestine with the greater Middle East region and the world markets at large. ExpoTech gives regional and International companies a window into the the Palestinian economy and a great opportunity to reach Palestinian consumers and participate in the growing local economy.

The size of the Palestinian IT market is estimated around US$200,000,000 with a great annual growth rate of 25%. The number of local IT companies is also growing at a high rate estimated at 46% over the past three years. The advanced telecommunications and Internet services sectors of Palestine are driving forces behind the growth of the IT economy. The sector is characterized by a pool of proven ICT products and services supported by highly professional and experienced human resources. The Palestinian government recognizes the IT sector as corner stone of the government strategic planning and development plans.

The Platinum sponsor for ExpoTech 2006 is the Arab Bank, the Golden sponsor is Hulul Business Solutions, with a generous support from the Islamic Development Bank -Al Aqsa Fund, and the National Insurance Company as the Insurance sponsor.

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For more information please contact:

Safa' Abdel Rahman, Executive Director

Palestinian IT Association of Companies (PITA)

Email: safa@pita.ps

Tel. +970 599 295660

And

jack@enasher.com

Tel. +970 599 205383