40 Indian ICT cos to participate in GITEX Dubai

To tap the fast growing information and communications technology market of the Middle East, 40 Indian ICT companies will participate in GITEX, Dubai 2012, an industry body has said.

The Electronics and Computer Software Export Promotion Council has taken several steps to ensure major participation by Indian IT service exporters at GITEX, to be organised from October 14-18 this year, ECS said in a statement.

GITEX is the largest and the most impressive ICT event of its kind in the Middle East and is now ranked as one of the top three ICT exhibitions in the world, it added. "India has a great stake in the booming Middle East, Africa, Asia (WANA Region) and European markets for which Dubai is the gateway. Thus, the event provides the participating Indian ICT companies opportunities for scouting the expanding burgeoning entire Middle East market," said Kamal Vachani, ESC Regional Director, Middle East.

Vachani said 40 Indian ICT companies are exhibiting this year at the India Pavilion, which indicates the growing interests of the Indian companies in the Middle East region.

ICT products on display at the pavilion will include almost all kinds of computer software, power supplies, inverters, UPS, Telecom Cables, a range of telecom products and computer hardware products.

"The Middle East region is one of the fastest growing ICT markets in the world. High growth prevails across all segments and the market is driven by economic diversification and various e-government initiatives including finance, communications, and manufacturing," the statement said.

According to research conducted by economic and financial analysts Global Insight, the UAE is at present spending USD 11.4 billion on ICT and that figure is set to rise to USD 16 billion by 2012, it said.

"The Indian ICT industry looks very keen to cater total IT solutions and forge business tie ups, strategic alliances in sectors, including telecommunications, utilities, tourism, financial services and real estate segments," it added.

Electronics and Computer Software/Services which includes IT-enabled services has emerged as a strongest export sector from India with an estimated export of USD 76.90 billion during the year 2011-12.

Software and ITeS export accounts for USD 68 billion and Electronics Hardware Export is estimated to be around USD 8.88 billion. Middle East countries have become the second top destination for India's electronics hardware export during the year 2011-12, the statement said.

It is estimated that electronics goods export to Middle East Countries during 2011-12 is valued at USD 1.83 billion, up from USD 1.27 billion in 2010-11, it said.