MUSCAT -- Vendors of computer and telecommunication equipment are offering fabulous discounts on their latest products and gadgets at the Sultanate's premier technology show -- Comex 2008 -- which was opened at Oman International Exhibition Centre by Dr Jumaa bin Ali al Jumaa, Minister of Manpower. The discounts, which vary anywhere between 30 and 15 per cent, is available for a wide range of products, including laptops, desktops, printers, digital cameras, handycams, mobile phones and computer accessories.
"We are offering a discount of RO 30-35 on Acer laptops during Comex," said Shesad Ramzan, Service Engineer of Loay International, one of the leading computer dealers in Oman. "Since it is the first day of the event, we cannot say anything about the response now," he added. A counter staff at Bishara Establishment said that his company is also offering special discounts on various products during the exhibition.
Bishara is selling Brother colour DCP, a printer-cum-scanner (DCP 135c), at RO 33, instead of RO 40-42 earlier. Similarly, the price of Brother black and white network printer (HL 2070N) is selling at RO 86 at Comex, instead of RO 95 earlier. Windows Computer, which sells well-known brands of desktops and laptops, has also brought down prices to attract customers.
"We have brought down prices of Acer Aspire models by RO 15," said Titus, a senior official at Windows Computer, which also sells Dell and Mercury. Similarly, National Afnan Establishment has reduced desktop computer prices of Vectron brand by RO 20-32 to RO 229-279. The exhibitors at the shoppers section showcases the latest products and gadgets, while the business section is for ICT products and state-of-the-art services of major players. The shopper section, exclusively for special promotions and offers on hardware, software, mobile phones, games and computer accessories, will be open from 10 am to 10 pm on all days except Friday, from 4.30 pm to 10 pm.
Organised by Oman International Trade & Exhibitions (OITE), the business section of this two-fold event is open between 10 am and 1 pm and between 5 pm and 9.30 pm. Under the auspices of the Ministry of Transport and Communications and the Information Technology Authority along with support from the Telecommunications Regulatory Authority, Comex has evolved as the most important business technology exhibition in the region. "Comex has gained the reputation of a leading platform showcasing the latest in technology and services to match the rising needs for telecommunication and information technology solutions in the region.
The event carries great value for the country's fast growing industrial, corporate and consumer markets that are in continuous search for modern technology. Positive dynamics of IT and ICT development in the Sultanate will continue to ensure the success of Comex in the years to come," said Sadiq Ahmed Khan, Director, Sales and Marketing, OITE. The event has the highest support from the industry with Omantel and Oman Mobile as the lead supporters, Kknowledge Oasis Muscat (KOM) as the technology sponsor and Nawras as the official mobile service provider. Lead sponsors confirmed at Comex 2008 are Al Khalili group, Photocentre and Bishara Establishment.
Platinum sponsors for the event are Nokia Siemens, Ericsson, Huawei and Shah Nagardas Manji while Cellucom will participate at Comex as platinum sponsor as well as visitor bag sponsor. Global Technology Innovations has signed up as the gold sponsor while Focus Softnet and Graphic International Centre have joined in as silver sponsors at Comex 2008. Media sponsors are Oman Daily Observer and Oman Daily Arabic under the title of official newspapers. The official networking partner of the event is Imtac, while Gulf Agency is the official clearing and forwarding agent for the event.
This year, one of the main attractions is the daily IT School presented by Tariq al Barwani. The IT School will run between April 28 and 30, 2008 from 7 pm to 9 pm and will also have a morning session on May 1 between 11 am and 1 pm. "The latest gadgets coupled with irresistible offers on laptops, mobile phones and computer accessories are sure to attract tech-savvy buyers to the Shopper section". "The Business section is ideal for those interested in checking out new product launches and the services offered by the industry as well as to network with peers and explore opportunities of possible co-operation," noted Atif Khan, Manager -- Exhibitions at OITE.
Najib al Marhoon, Head -- MARCOM said; "Weaving together an intricate platform for technology and business, Comex offers a unique opportunity for the exhibitors to enlarge market share, accelerate the promotion of the most attractive projects, technologies and equipment, as well as open doors to international companies".The government entities participating under the umbrella of eOman include: Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Ministry of Manpower, Ministry of Agriculture, Muscat Municipality, State Council, Ministry of Regional Municipalities and Water Resources, Ministry of National Economy, Public Prosecution, Ministry of Justice, Ministry of Sports Affairs, Sultan Qaboos University, Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Ministry of Civil Services, Ministry of Social Development, Public Authority for Social Insurance, Ministry of Education and Ministry of Higher Education.
By A E James
© Oman Daily Observer 2008
