The fast-track growth in Information Technology (IT) across the Middle East has created a vast demand for digital imaging solutions according to Epson Middle East’s General Manager, Khalil El-Dalu.
“The popularity of the Internet and the launch of IT initiatives by governments and public institutions have made the region a prime growth area for computer products,” said El-Dalu. “According to figures released by the Madar Research Group, the current installed base of 2.5 million PCs in the GCC is expected to multiply within the coming few years. Consequently, we foresee a huge expansion in the digital imaging products market like printers and scanners.”
PC penetration, though low by global standards, has shown a significant increase in recent years. Madar Research figures reveal that Bahrain tops the list with a penetration of 15.7 per cent, followed by the United Arab Emirates (UAE) with 13.8 percent, Qatar with 13.5 percent and Kuwait with 12.1 percent. The ratio of Internet users per PC is 1.2:1, a figure that is expected to change as computer literacy spreads and individuals are seized with the need to get their own PCs.
While the ICT market is expanding rapidly across the region, Saudi Arabia provides an ideal example of how governments are prudently investing within this crucial sector. The Saudi ICT industry is one of the fastest growing markets in the Arab world. Saudi has embarked on several mega projects in ICT, including upgrading of the telecommunications network.
The total value of the Saudi IT market, comprising software, computer equipment, IT services and data communications, could reach $ 4.7 billion by the end of 2005. While the overall economic growth in Saudi Arabia is expected to be around 2.2 percent in 2003, the IT sector is set to grow at 8.3 percent annually until 2005, according to Madar Research. — (menareport.com)
© 2003 Mena Report (www.menareport.com)
