The Lebanese IT industry's focus on exports to Arab markets is reflected in the strong participation of the country's IT companies at GITEX 2003, being held from October 19 to 23 at Dubai World Trade Centre.
The presence of the Lebanese Minister for Telecommunications, Jean Louis Kerdahi, who has been invited by the Professional Computer Association (PCA) to demonstrate Lebanon's seriousness in tapping the opportunities in the Arab World, has further leveraged the efforts of these companies to increase their share of the software market in the Arab World.
Addressing a press conference to announce the participation of Lebanese companies at GITEX Dubai, PCA President, Jalal Fawaz said; “As one of the earliest software developers in the Arab world, Lebanon has built a highly developed IT industry. After the slow-down in recent years, the software industry has acquired a new drive lately, and the participation of so many Lebanese IT companies in GITEX Dubai reflects this dynamism.”
At present, the Lebanese software industry is estimated to be worth more than $165 million, including related services such as consultancy, training, implementation, imports and exports. In recent years, the industry has registered an annual growth rate of over 10 percent. According to independent market research figures, the rate in the past five years has been particularly impressive, with it touching high of an estimated 20 percent in the software development sector.
During his visit, Kerdahi is scheduled to meet the United Arab Emirates (UAE) Minister of Communications, Ahmed Humaid Al-Tayer, to discuss increased cooperation between the UAE and Lebanon in IT and communications.
Among the Lebanese IT companies participating at GITEX this year are Automation Computer Technology (ACT), Aims Sarl, Astrolabe IT, DC Soft, Engineering Design & Manufacturing (EDM) and GeoVision. PCA and Gitex Termium Beirut will also be present at the Lebanese pavilion. The exhibitor companies are scheduled to participate in a workshop to highlight their products to the local trade, with each company making a five-minute presentation on their products and solutions. — (menareport.com)
© 2003 Mena Report (www.menareport.com)
