Talafone signs deal for 2000-square metre space at GITEX Hyderabad '04

Speaking to reporters at a press conference on the sidelines of the 23rd edition of GITEX Dubai, DWTC Director General, Mubarak bin Fahad said, 'The signing of this contract to book an entire exhibition hall at the HITEX International Exhibition Centre in Hyderabad validates the strength of the GITEX brand name that has acquired a reputation for stimulating regional and international trade.'

He noted the decision by Talafone also confirms the importance exhibitors attach to events organized by DWTC as well as the immense opportunities that the state of Andhra Pradesh offers IT industries seeking to expand their operations all over India.

'We are confident that GITEX Hyderabad 2004 will provide an effective networking opportunity for exhibitors to display latest technologies and launch new products and services targeting the Indian market,' Mr. bin Fahad observed.

GITEX exhibitions are now being held in four different geographic locations - Dubai, United Arab Emirates serving Middle East markets; Cairo (GITEX Cairo since April 1999), Egypt serving the North African and Egyptian markets; Termium-GITEX in Beirut (since 1999), Lebanon serving the Levant region, Hyderabad, serving markets in South Asia and GITEX Saudi Arabia serving the huge Saudi market.

Following the official signing of the contract, President and CEO of Talafone, Jihad Mohammad said, 'We are pleased to confirm our participation at GITEX Hyderabad with a much larger presence in 2004 underlining our firm belief in GITEX's ability to penetrate the Indian IT segment and this year we will be joined by 30 of our international network of partners at the event.'

Mr. Mohammad added that as a global leader in telecommunications and IP voice technology, Talafone delivers low-cost calling services to individual customers and businesses worldwide including the large Indian market.

Based in Montreal, Canada, Talafone is a company that specializes in providing telecommunication services worldwide.

GITEX Hyderabad 2003 was a categorical success attracting as many as 70 exhibitors including leading Indian ICT Companies as well as international exhibitors in the IT and communications sector establishing Hyderabad's position at the forefront of India's IT boom. Approximately 4,500 business and professional international visitors attended the exhibition in 2003.

GITEX Hyderabad 2004 will progressively increase in size and scale and provide an effective B2B stage for the IT&C industry confirming Hyderabad's status as the land of e-opportunities.

The 2003 edition of GITEX Hyderabad registered a growth of 56% in the number of exhibitors participating at the event and an increase in floor space of 57%. The first edition attracted over 2,500 visitors and GITEX Hyderabad 2003 attracted 4,500 trade visitors and media (approximate) recording a 75% jump. Organizers DWTC are confident of achieving double-digit growth for next year's event as well. With major players in the IT industry backing this event along with the Government of AP and NASSCOM among others.