Computer Association of Nepal (CAN) has been organizing the event for the last 17 years with the objective of raising awareness about applications of ICT and providing platform for launching and trading latest ICT products. [break]
Inaugurating the event, Minster of Science and Technology Kalpana Dhamala said that the ministry would initiate activities for the development of hardware, software and Business Process Outsourcing (BPO).
Prime Minister Dr Baburam Bhattarai, who couldn´t make it to the inauguration ceremony, addressed the gathering through a video message.
“The increasing digital divide is worse than the gap of rich and poor and the government is committed on increasing the accessibility of ICT in rural areas,” he said.
He further said that the government was also positive about CAN´s proposal of declaring 2013 as ICT year.
Speaking at the inaugural ceremony, CAN President Suresh K Karna said that investment friendly environment was necessary for the development of ICT sector. “ICT still doesn´t fall in the government´s priority,” Karna said. He said that in a country like Nepal government has a key role to play to increase connectivity.
The event features 39 stalls in branding exhibition center and 144 other stalls. Oraganizers have arranged ATM and Wi-Fi service to facilitate visitors.
More than 100 companies participating in the event are exhibiting latest ICT products and offering attractive discounts. A number of stall keepers were also seen briefing visitors about the application of the products with the objective to raise awareness.
Two separate entrances and spacious aisles helped ease the crowd flow. CAN had also introduced online-payment for tickets because of which the queue was smaller compared to the previous years.
The six-day long event targets the footfall of more than 400,000 visitors. CAN is also organizing ICT Conference on the theme “ Internet is for everyone” on January 29 and 30.
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