Palestinian Pavilion participates in GITEX

The Palestine delegation participates in GITEX with the hope of educating the Gulf market on the booming growth of the IT sector in Palestine and securing long-term partnerships with Gulf companies for their products and services. While perceptions on the Palestinian economy may be influenced by its politcal problems, the IT sector has in fact seen significant growth of 30% since GITEX 2003.

The three main exhibitors that will make up the Palestinian Pavilion are, Palestinian Information and Communications Incubator (PICTI), ATS and Safad. PICTI is an independent Palestinian non-for-profit ICT Incubator that has been created through the initiative and support of the Palestinian ICT community. The core objective of PICTI is to design, develop, implement and promote those initiatives that support the development of entrepreneurial business ventures with high growth potential. ATS is the largest software house in Palestine, offering advanced services in the field of Information Technology, Training and Consultation Services. ATS is the sole Value Added Distributor (VAD) for ORACLE in Palestine in addition to the following partnerships: ORACLE Education Partner; Symbol Authorized Reseller and Cisco Systems Reseller. Safad Systems provides its services and solutions through multiple channels in Software Development, Systems Integrator and IT Consultations. Its products range from, SAFAD PORTAL Engine, E-Helpdesk, Pharmacy & Patient Records Management, Dry Clean Management System and ACCPAC Solution provider.

Support for the Palestinian delegation at GITEX 2004 has, once again, been through collaboration with PalTrade, The Palestinian Information Technology Association (PITA) and funded by the Islamic Development Bank (IDB).

Through the likes of PalTrade and PITA, IDB financially supports Trade and Economic missions designed to boost initiatives for Palestinian economic growth.

"IT products and services provided by Palestinian companies are showing promising growth and the sector is one of the most significant drivers of our economy today", says Mr. Samir Huleileh, CEO of PalTrade. "The importance of Dubai and the whole Gulf market as a driver for the regional IT industry is very significant and establishing mutual partnerships and showcasing Palestinian products will help build an understanding of the growth that is being realised in Palestine in this sector."

There are currently over 4,000 certified IT professionals working in Palestine and growing. As with many areas of the world, the importance of IT is being realised and growth and opportunities are widespread and the IT sector appears to be becoming a defining sector for the development of the Palestinian economy.

"Preparation by the participants on the Palestinain Pavilion for this year's GITEX 2004 has been second to none. This being the 4th year that there has been a Palestinian presence at GITEX, all participants have learnt a great deal from their predecessors' and own experience. At GITEX 2004 we are looking to cement these relationships with Gulf partners and companies so as to continue to build on the 30% growth we have experienced, across the industry, since last year", said Mr. Tarek Maia, CEO of PITA.