Lebanese IT companies aim for larger share of the software market in the Arab World

The presence of the Lebanese Minister for Tele-Communications, Mr. 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, Jalal Fawaz, President of Professional Computer Association (PCA), said, 'We are honoured to have Mr. Jean Louis Kerdahi, Minister of Tele-Communications, at GITEX Dubai. His presence is an indication of the high priority the Lebanese government attaches to the growth of the IT sector in Lebanon. We are positive that the Minister will take home with him important messages to the Lebanese government, after seeing the prospects for Lebanese software exports at this exhibition.'

'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,' Fawaz added.

'Supported by a dynamic software industry, government initiatives and increased interest among international software companies to set up production facilities in Lebanon, the Lebanese IT sector is witnessing rapid growth and transformation. At the same time, Lebanese IT companies are expanding their operations to other Arab countries and international locations to offer their renowned software products to new markets,' said Fawaz.

At present, the Lebanese software industry is estimated to be worth more than US$ 165 million, including related services such as consultancy, training, implementation, imports and exports. In recent year, the industry has registered an annual growth rate of over 10 per cent. 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 per cent in the software development sector.

At the educational level, the IT sector is showing renewed buoyancy, indicating strong long-term prospects. Lebanon's IT institutes are producing an increasing number of IT graduates. In 1992, Lebanon produced 9,000 IT graduates and now the number has risen to 30,000. The number of government technical schools has risen from 29 to 60. The specialisations available to IT students have expanded to 116 from 56. The number of private IT universities and institutes is also increasing at a fast rate in Lebanon.

'On behalf of the Lebanese IT companies participating in GITEX Dubai, I would like to thank the Minister for his encouragement and support to the Lebanese IT sector, and we look forward to the government's continued support. The support of the government is crucial to the success of the IT industry in Lebanon and we would like to urge the honourable Minister to launch fresh incentives and policies to enhance Lebanon's position in the regional and international software markets. The PCA, as the coordinating body for the entire IT industry, would like to work more closely with the government on joint initiatives to boost the IT sector,' Fawaz said.

Fawaz thanked the authorities in the UAE and Dubai for providing facilities for Lebanese companies to establish links with local companies. He also thanked the participating Lebanese companies for their commitment to the development of the economy of Lebanon.

Fawaz also extended his gratitude to the media for highlighting Lebanese software industry and the Lebanese participation in GITEX Dubai.

The press conference was part of a series of events organised by PCA to generate interest in the Lebanese GITEX pavilion.

During his visit, Mr. Kerdahi is scheduled to meet the UAE Minister of Communications, His Excellency Ahmed Humaid Al Tayer, to discuss increased cooperation between the UAE and Lebanon in IT and communications.

The Lebanese IT companies participating at GITEX this year include Automation Computer Technology (ACT), Aims Sarl, Astrolabe IT, DC Soft, Engineering Design & Manufacturing (EDM), GeoVision, Internet Facilities Group, SETS, Soft Flow, Software Design Consulting Group and DES (Elbarid.com). 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.

Later PCA and the Lebanese Minister of Tele-Communications will join a dinner hosted by the Lebanese business council. The event will conclude with a presentation by PCA on various initiatives devised to help Lebanese expatriate participate in IT initiatives.