AMMAN -- The Ministry of Education will import 12,500 computers to be distributed on 700 schools under a JD8.5 million deal to be signed on Thursday with computer hardware manufacturer Acer.
During a press conference on Wednesday, Acer Computer Limited announced that it is planning to "aggressively" target the consumer and retail market in the Kingdom, as its indicators showed "strong" growth during last year.
"Jordan has a history of investing in the latest technology for its youth and public sector workforce," said Philip Ashkar, sales and marketing director. "We will continue to be engaged in this important area of business."
Ashkar indicated that his company intends to focus on developing the consumer side of the operation, and will launch several campaigns about their products in the coming months. The company will also participate in the Middle East Technology Show which will be held in Amman between Sept. 23 to 27.
The company has been providing the government with its desktop personal computers and notebooks. It had signed product deals with the Department of Statistics, Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Education as well as the Amman Arab University and Philadelphia University.
"The consumer market in Jordan holds a huge potential for us," said Bassam Ewaiwi, regional sales manager. "It has a well-educated and young pool of consumers who are demanding the latest technology."
Acer is expected to introduce its second tier reseller channel network in the country, to target retail and small and medium businesses.
"Our distributors and resellers are essential in ensuring Acer's continued success in Jordan. We intend to invest in the network," concluded Ewaiwi.
By Rami Abdelrahman
© Jordan Times 2004
