Data from a new study suggests that the interaction between technology and telecommunication groups from Asia-Pacific and the Middle East regions is reaching the highest level in history. According to research by global analyst group Fusion Consulting, Asia-Pacific's ICT market is growing at 8 percent, compared to 5 percent globally, and will be worth more than $400 billion by 2009 - approximately one quarter of the total value of the global market. This surging growth - along with increasing deregulation and investment within the Middle East and Africa region - has stimulated the development of cross regional partnerships and business opportunities. Financial ties and technology transfer between the Middle East and Asia are strengthening by the day, creating a phenomenon that banking giant HSBC calls “east-east” transactions. Such impressive growth is reflected in the highest ever number of companies from China, Korea and Taiwan set to participate in Gitex Technology Week at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Center (DICEC) on Oct. 19-23 2008. Nearly 250 companies from China, Korea and Taiwan have already confirmed their attendance at the Middle East's leading technology show. Helal Saeed Almarri, director general, Dubai World Trade Center, organizer of Gitex Technology Week, said: “The technology sector is changing significantly, with the center of power shifting East from the US market to Asia and the Middle East. This evolution is reflected by the high numbers of new companies exhibiting at this year's Gitex Technology Week from Korea, Japan and Greater China. This dialogue and development offers huge opportunities for companies from around the world, with Gitex Technology Week now positioned as the most comprehensive showcase of the Asia-Pacific ICT industry anywhere outside Asia.” Companies from the Middle East and Asia-Pacific have built strong working relationships in recent years, particularly in the areas of telecommunications, hardware, and global satellite communications. A significant number of companies from the Asia-Pacific region will take part in Gitex Technology Week 2008, including Malata Mobile, Huntkey, Golden Field, and Somic from China; Micro-Star International, Posiflex, and Ritek from Taiwan; while the Korea Software Industry Association, and Korea Trade-Investment Promotion Agency (KOTRA), are also heavily involved. KOTRA, which works to stimulate investment into and partnerships with Korea, will take a stand over 260 sqm at the exhibition, hosting a variety of new companies. “Gitex Technology Week is one of our most important events of the year for building relationships with new and expanding companies. There is a real excitement surrounding the opportunities that will be available to create lasting contacts with companies in the Middle East,” said Ki-Hwa Hong, president, KOTRA. This year's Gitex Technology Week will incorporate a powerful week of dedicated trade events, including Gitex Business Solutions, Gulfcomms and Consumer Electronics, as well as targeted networking initiatives designed to ensure the event covers the entire technology spectrum. Gitex Technology Week ensures that the most important people in the industry from across Asia-Pacific receive a privileged experience at the show through Gitex Majlis executive business program. Leading CEO's from across the region can enjoy easy pre-completed registration, advance issuance and delivery of the Gitex members badge and executive lounge facilities. Last year 3,300 suppliers from 82 countries exhibited at Gitex Technology Week, covering the entire 64,000 sqm available at the DICEC. __
