CAN Info-Tech kicks off in Kathmandu

Published On: January 26, 2018 01:30 AM NPT By: Republica | @RepublicaNepal

Photo Courtesy: Dipesh Shrestha

KATHMANDU, Jan 26: The 24th CAN Info-Tech 2018 kicked off in Kathmandu on Thursday.

The mega event of Nepal's information and communications technology (ICT) industry was inaugurated by Minister for Information and Communications, Mohan Bahadur Basnet, amid a ceremony held at Bhrikuti Mandap Exhibition Hall, Kathmandu, by flying a drone which showered flowers at the event venue.

Speaking at the inaugural ceremony, Basnet said that the country cannot achieve economic prosperity until ICT sector is not given top priority. “Political transition is now over. We should now concentrate on economic development,” Basnet said, adding that the ICT is an important tool to expedite the pace of development.

Minister Basnet also informed that the government was preparing to celebrate 2027 as the 'Digital Nepal Year'. He also said that the government was working to provide 'free computer education' in all community schools in the near future.

Also speaking at the event, President of CAN Federation - the organizer of the event -- Hemant Chaurasia said that building 'digital Nepal' was possible if the government keeps ICT sector on its priority list. He said that the CAN Federation was ready to hands with the government to build digital Nepal.

According to Chaurasiya, the federation is planning to hold the CAN Info-Tech in all seven provinces of the country in the near future.

The annual ICT event has 222 stalls, showcasing various IT products and services. About 400,000 people are expected to visit the event. Subisu is the title sponsor of the six-day event, while Motorola is the co-partner, according to CAN Federation.

ICT products and services related to power solutions, software solutions, hardware sales and maintenance, mobile accessories, Internet Service Providers (ISPs), telecommunications, ICT colleges and IT institute, and payment solution, among others, will be showcased at the event, according to the organizers.

The fair will conclude on January 30.

The entry fee has been fixed at Rs 100 for general visitors and Rs 50 for students. CAN Federation is giving 20 percent discount on tickets purchased online.

According to the organizer, Sunday has been as 'business day' where business houses can have strike deals directly with various dealers and vendors.