First time participant Morocco to strengthen ME presence at GITEX 2003

"The growing presence as well as the size and scale of participation from national pavilions representing Middle Eastern countries is indicative of GITEX's growing prominence as one of the prime IT events in the region," said DWTC Director General, Mubarak bin Fahad.

He noted that the growing participation from Middle Eastern countries taking national pavilions also signifies the that the Middle Eastern countries recognise the UAE as a major export market for IT products.

"The Moroccan government has recognised the profound affect that information technology has had and will have on the Moroccon economy as a whole and acknowledges the fact that information technology will facilitate Morocco's transition to a global, information-based economy," said Ms. Hakima Ibraymi, representing the Moroccan Centre for Export Promotion (CMPE).

"Morocco already boasts of an excellent IT infrastructure, a liberal economy and is the regional hub for many large IT multinationals like Oracle, Microsoft, SAP, Cisco and Ubi Soft. The Middle East region offers immense opportunities and GITEX Dubai offers the ideal stage to enable us to meet potential trade visitors representing high-growth potential," she added.

Exhibitors use GITEX as a platform to demonstrate new technologies, launch the latest releases of a broad range of new IT solutions into the regional market and display their newest wares in a bid to corner new business opportunities.

Meanwhile, the exhibition's retail component, GITEX Computer Shopper that takes place at Airport Expo Dubai from 18th to 24th October features super deals on a wide selection of computer hardware, software, peripherals, telecommunication products and multi-media options.

GITEX's international appeal continues to broaden with a total of 19 national pavilions including six from the Middle East as well as Canada, China, Finland, France, Germany, Hong Kong, India, Korea, Northern Ireland, Pakistan, Spain, Taiwan and the UK.

Country pavilions this year take up a massive portion of exhibition space between them covering over 4,264 square metres.

Around 660 exhibitors from 37 countries attended the 2002 show, representing 1,520 companies, filling the sprawling complex to capacity.