How different will be the 6th Subisu CAN SofTech compared to the previous editions?
The major different is that we will be holding the event in Bhrikuti Mandap exhibition hall instead of Direction Exhibition and Convention Center. This means we will be able to accommodate more exhibitors. In the past years, we used to have only about 40 to 50 exhibitors. We will have 120 stalls this year and almost all of them have been booked already.
What are the major attractions of the SofTech?
The event focuses on the core software knowledge and new IT inventions. The year, the SofTech will showcase various software related to education, computer security, banking, information management and account management, anti-virus, Internet security solution, wireless solution, printing solution, and power solution, among others. Moreover, we will have separate stalls for smartphones and laptops this year.[break]
CAN is often accused of being urban-centric. What do you have to say?
This is not true. We have been organizing several programs on information technology across the country. We have been organizing CAN InfoTech in different parts of the country on regular basis. However, the SofTech will be limited to the Kathmandu Valley for few more years as the demand for software is quite low in cities outside Kathmandu. We will take SofTech outside the Kathmandu Valley once demand for software rises there.
What do you think are the problems that the country´s ICT sector is facing?
The main problem is the lack of clear vision of the government towards Information Communication and Technology (ICT) industry. It is unfortunate that the government is yet to recognize the ICT sector as an industry that can make significant contribution to the national economy. I strongly believe ICT can be one of the biggest contributors to GDP. However, the government as well as outsourcing companies are doing nothing to promote domestic IT industry.
It is high time the government conducted a study on the prospects of ICT industry in Nepal and devised policy and programs accordingly.
It is often said that CAN´s events have become profit-centric. What is your take?
The only objective behind organizing InfoTech and SofTech is to uplift Nepal´s ICT industry. CAN conducts a number of events throughout the year and we need fund to finance those events. Our revenue source is limited. I would like to make you clear that both CAN and its events are non-profit based.
Do you like to tell anything to the SofTech visitors?
The SofTech is a completely knowledge-based fair. Events like these are organized to develop Nepal as an IT hub in the region. Thus, I request everyone to visit the fair and see what our ICT industry looks like.
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All stalls of SofTech booked
