29 September 2005

DUBAI -- A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), was signed yesterday between Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) and the Government of Andhra Pradesh's (GOAP's) Information Technology & Communications Department.

The memorandum of understanding is for the renewal of their commitment to organise Gitex in India for the fifth consecutive year from January 11-13 , 2006.

Abdulla Qassem, general manager, DWTC, said:"The Indian IT market is worth Dh92 billion ( $ 25 billion) and continues to grow at the rate of 21 per cent  annually. India offers a vast potential that is expected to cross Dh239 billion ( $ 65 billion) by 2009.'' He also said that Hyderabad was chosen as a venue, as it was one of the most happening IT cities in India backed by the active support of the Government of Andhra Pradesh (GOAP).  In the year 2002, the Dubai World Trade Centre took the Gitex brand outside the Middle East, for the very first time. It marked the introduction of a new era in the history of our organisation. The AP Government's capable support and enthusiastic interest in Information Technology under the leadership of the Chief Minister, Dr Y S  Rajasekhara Reddy has ensured the ongoing growth and success of the event.

He also stated that, during the last event Gitex Shopper Hyderabad generated retail sales of more than Dh 2.6 million (Rs 30 million). We are sure the coming event will see more business from this promising market.

Last year, the event registered a growth of 26 per cent  (7,938) in trade visitors while general public registrations crossed the 17,250 mark.

"It makes sound sense for us to re-brand the exhibition in light of its increasing size, scale and geographic extent. In conjunction with the Government of AP's IT&C Department, we announce the emergence of Gitex Hyderabad to Gitex India,'' Qassem stated.

K. Ratna Prabha (IAS), Secretary to the GOAP IT&C Department, said: "The signing of the MOU reinforces our commitment to Gitex, a show that delivers measurable results while offering exhibitors a solid platform to conduct business transactions and showcase their tech innovations''

She also added: " By the year 2010, Hyderabad will surpass Bangalore and Chennai in the field of Information and Technology and will attract a wide spectrum of hardware, software and enhance business opportunity in India. ''

The state of AP is an established Information Technology market and a leading source of high quality technical manpower, which together with good infrastructure, moderate cost of living, political stability and a clean and green environment, has helped in attracting large numbers of global IT majors into Andhra Pradesh in less than a decade.

"We are now involved in developing facilities state wide to include second-tier cities such as Vishakhapatnam, Vijayawada, Warangal and Tirupati,'' Prabha remarked.

Along with the main event, Shopper India, the retail arm of Gitex India, will be held simultaneously in a dedicated hall at the Hitex International Exhibition Centre. Gitex India Shopper will host leading local and regional vendors offering some of the best deals on computer hardware, software, peripherals, multimedia and a wide range of computer products and services.

Last year, Canada, China, Germany, Hong Kong, Japan, Korea, Oman, Pennsylvania (USA), South Africa, Taiwan, Thailand and UAE, participated at the exhibition.

BY MOUSHUMI DAS CHAUDHURY

© Khaleej Times 2005