The Hindu Business Line : Gitex IT expo expands scope

THE three-day flagship IT event - Gitex India 2006 - has expanded its scope from merely being an exposition to hosting concurrent events covering Computer Shopper, Nasscom Animation 2006, among a host of others on the technology sector.

The Computer Shopper at the event was witness to sales of Rs 3.5 crore with 41,572 visitors, the organisers announced at a press conference today.

Hosted by the Andhra Pradesh Government and the Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC), the event organisers announced increase in contracted business, retail sales and footfall to highlight the exhibition's role as a distinguished IT show.

According to the State Minister for IT, Ms Sabitha Indra Reddy, and the State Secretary for Information Technology & Communications, Ms Ratna Prabha, the Gitex has outgrown its role as a regional exhibition. Sizeable deals were concluded as thousands of consumers availed themselves of the 4 per cent VAT rebate.

Ninety-five companies, including from the US, the UK, China, Russia and Malaysia, participated in the event. Conferences by industry associations on human capital in the IT industry; Hyderabad as a knowledge process off-shoring destination; and a low-cost manufacturing base in Asia-Pacific; Nasscom's conference on animation and gaming industry; Hyderabad Software Exporters Association's workshop on technology and HR and CII's seminar on ITES & Electronic Hardware, and TiE on AP as an investment destination were well attended.

The Dubai Internet City is seeking to attract inward investment into the UAE. During the event, 26 technology sector companies were presented awards and many companies signed up for land with the State Government. According to Government and the DWTC, Gitex India has outgrown its role as a regional exhibition covering a much greater expanse and attracted exhibitors from India as well as international exhibitors and the results have been very encouraging.