OCCI Chairman Ghattami inaugurates major IT show Cutting-edge ICT products, services, solutions on display
MUSCAT -- Eng Salem bin Said al Ghattami, Chairman of Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry, inaugurated the five-day COMEX 2006 exhibition at the Oman International Exhibition Centre, Seeb, yesterday.
A large number of government officials, undersecretaries, dignitaries and diplomats attended the inaugural ceremony. Speaking to reporters after the inaugural ceremony, Ghattami said he was proud to state that the flow of foreign direct investment in the Sultanate has been impressive and significant and this speaks volume for the sound economic policies of the country, its strategic location, political stability, and peace and security.
However, Ghattami underlined the importance of joint ventures and said, "it is better if the foreign investors have joint ventures with local Omani companies". He also said many Omani companies are increasingly operating overseas, which indicates the next level of performance in Oman going international. He lauded the role of Knowledge Oasis Muscat and noted that more than 40 companies are already operating in the KOM, which has a very promising and bright future.
This year's COMEX stands out as a special event because the number of exhibitors is not only the largest ever but also the number of stalls with each exhibitor is greater than before and the range of products and solutions on display is absolutely amazing. Both in the Shoppers and Business sections, visitors have the opportunity to interact with the exhibitors to get first-hand experience on new products, services and solutions.
Ghattami said COMEX, the official IT, telecom and technology exhibition which is into its 16th year, is showcasing cutting-edge ICT products, services and solutions. COMEX is being organised under the auspices of Ministry of Transport and Communications supported by OCIPED, with the country's official telecom services operators Omantel and Oman Mobile as the Lead Sponsors, Knowledge Oasis Muscat as the Technology Sponsor, Nawras as the Mobile Service Provider and Siemens, Ericsson, Huawei as Platinum Sponsors and Omania e-Commerce/Tejari as the Internet Exchange Sponsor. BankMuscat has signed up as the Gold Sponsor. The Official Networking is by IMTAC and Visitor Bag Sponsor is MCA. Oman Daily Observer and Oman Arabic daily are the official newspapers of the event.
There was a huge visitor turnout on the very first day of the event as they engaged in their purchases with special offers and gifts. The mood was euphoric. The exhibitors are happy because the event is already looking successful by the kind of response they are getting.
Oman International Trade and Exhibitions (OITE), the organisers of the event, are upbeat because of all their efforts being paid off. It's a feather in their cap because although it has been 16 years, the excitement for the exhibition seems to be growing in leaps and bounds.
Sadiq Ahmed Khan, Director Sales and Marketing, OITE, said, "COMEX is not just an event. It is a brand in itself now." And why not, since the past 16 years, organisations and corporate bodies could not have found a better platform to showcase all their products under one roof. The importance of COMEX is not limited within the four walls of the exhibition hall; it has a positive impact on the economy of the Sultanate as well.
"It has helped the most in branding. COMEX itself is a brand now and several exhibitors have been able to carve out an image for themselves through COMEX. Some of the participating companies are Etisalat, Thuraya, Siemens, Ericsson, Cisco Systems, OMASCO (Panasonic), OHI Electronics (JVC), Bahwan Electronics, Mustafa Sultan Electronics (Philips), GENETCO (Canon, Sanyo, Smartboard), Samsung, NCR, Oman International Bank, Microsoft, KOM, Bank Muscat, Bishara LLC (Xerox), OHI Telecom in partnership with Alcatel, Jawad Sultan Technologies LLC (Creative), Loay Enterprises (ACER), Mohsin Haider Darwish (Nokia), Khimji Ramdas (Motorola) Huawei Tech, Loay International, Intisar, National Afnan Est, Cyber Hut, Al Majid International, Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA), Computer Supplies, Atlas Al Sharq Electronics, Expert Software, Sofan Trading, Arabian Computer Company, Beladi Trading Est, Prompt Computer Supplies, e-Mart, Al Manara Bookshop, Ideal Marketing Services, Hitec Center, Modern Technology Co, Ariss, e-Learning Centre, Innovative Techniques, Kardaan, Excellent Information Technology, Windows, New Horizons, Polyglot, Business Point, Advanced Technology, Star Internet, Zakher International, Matrix Information, Baabood, Al Imtidad United, Taageer Finance, Modern Technology Computer Services, Shati Al Khadra, Business Tools and Solutions, Star City, Dar Al Kiraa, WACOM, Sakhar Computer Center, Towards the Horizon, ASM Technologies, Nasnet, Ernst & Young, Al Maarif International, Yuet Meng Trading, 3D Computer, Turath Centre, Dar Elwaa, Ain, Makkasoft, Capsoft Computers, Mass Soft, Black Box Trading, Online Distribution, RDI, A2Z Business Solutions, Eastern Engineering Services and Oman Gulf Enterprises.
The exhibition is open to all. The Business Section wil continue to run today, Saturday and Sunday from 10 am to 1 pm and 5 pm to 9.30 pm. Shopper Section runs on all days from 10 am to 10 pm except on Friday when it will be open only in the evening hours from 4.30 pm to 10 pm. The morning session of Saturday is exclusively for ladies and evening is for families.
By Hasan Kamoonpuri
© Oman Daily Observer 2006
