Australian IT Spending To Rise To US$20.29 Billion In 2005

In its 25th edition, GITEX 2005 will witness the debut of the Australian pavilion, which will house a number of leading IT companies from Down Under hoping to capitalise on the increasing business opportunities at the event, organisers Dubai World Trade Centre announced yesterday (August 31st).

The Middle East’s premier IT event is scheduled to take place from September 25-29, 2005 at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre.

"While several leading Australian companies have already been participating individually at GITEX for many years, it is the first time that a dedicated country pavilion has been arranged. With this pavilion, Australian ICT industry displays its commitment to this region," said DWTC Director General, Helal Saeed Khalfan Al Marri.

Trade potential in the Middle East market represents significant opportunities for Australian companies who in the past have largely focused on their traditional European and USA markets. Ultimately, Australian companies have recognised that the Middle East is a viable and lucrative market.

The increase in Australian companies participating at GITEX signifies a change in focus to the Middle East which is now easier to access and more business savvy. There are 400% more Australian companies exhibiting at GITEX in this, the 25th jubilee year.

"Some of the high profile Australian companies including Clipsal, Total Recall, Welcome Telecom, InfoVision Technology, eVALUA and Reboot PC Logistics, will be part of the Australian pavilion. We are sure this year’s participation by Australian companies will generate substantial business interest in what our companies can offer the Middle East market," said Mr. Ross Marsh, ES Worldwide Ltd. who, with Austrade Dubai are organising the Australian pavilion at the event.

The Australian IT market, has been categorised as one of the most mature IT markets by the global research firm IDC, and is set to record a 12% year-on-year growth till 2009. IT spending during 2005 alone is expected to hit AED74.5 billion (A$26.9 billion/US$20.29 billion) with hardware and services sectors taking 44% and 43% respectively. Among the sectors, software is expected to register a compounded annual growth rate of 8.8% to touch nearly AED13.8 billion (A$5 billion).

There are also indications that Australian economic growth may quicken in the second half of 2005. The A$800 billion (US$614 billion) economy, in its 14th straight year of expansion, grew 1.9% in the first quarter this year from a year earlier. The corporate sector, boosted by this confidence, is keen to expand its export markets to diversify their portfolio.

One of the major international ICT events, GITEX 2005 is set to attract leading players in the IT industry. Last year the event attracted 939 exhibitors representing more than 2,428 companies from 41 countries. The record-breaking event covered all available halls and the concourse areas in the centre and attracted 116,346 visitors.

GITEX over the years has evolved into the perfect business and technological platform for the IT industry making it an important event for stimulating regional and international trade. Visitors to the event are encouraged to pre-register at www.gitex.com in order to gain fast-track entry and avoid queues.
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