Kathmandu, May 2 :

With an objective of promoting Nepali software and exploring markets for knowledge-based industry, the first national software expo began here at United World Trade Centre (UWTC) today.

The four-day long event named - CAN Softech-2007 is being organised by Computer Association of Nepal (CAN) for the first time in the country and will last till May 5.

Inaugurating the event, Mahantha Thakur, minister for environment, science and technology, reiterated the government’s support for the development of information and communication technology (ICT).

“ICT has always been a priority sector,” he said, adding that the government would soon unveil new projects for ICT.

Thakur further said that policies to attract foreign investment in ICT and to create a conducive environment would be soon formulated.

“Nepal holds a huge potential in ICT, particularly software development, BPO and outsourcing,” said Ashank Desai, president of Asian-Oceanian Computing Industry Organisation (ASOCIO). “The government’s support is crucial at the initial stage for the development of any sector,” he added. The event is featuring Nepal’s latest development in software, BPO, computer solutions and other related industries.

The expo would give exposure to the Nepali software developers and industry people to the international arena and will be beneficial for them in exploring markets outside the country, said Biplav Man Singh, president of CAN. “It will also serve as a platform to highlight Nepal’s strength in software development, BPO and IT solutions.”

About 60 different companies, including four from India, three from South Korea and one from Sri Lanka are showcasing their products and services through 77 stalls during the CAN Softech-2007.

According to CAN, the event is expected to attract about 30,000 quality visitors. Two separate halls have been arranged for demonstration of the products and services. Business meeting room, telephone and internet facilities in each stall are some of the features of

the event, which will facilitate both the exhibitors and customers to experience a real virtual world.

An IT conference on ‘middle level management of IT companies’ is being organised tomorrow, which will feature keynote speakers from India and South Korea. The event would be a platform for Nepali companies and software developers to interact with their ounterparts from the region,” said Rajan Panta, general secretary at the CAN.

Meanwhile, a two-day long plenary meeting of ASOCIO concluded here today. ASOCIO is an organisation formed by leading ICT organisations of 26 countries in Asia and the Pacific region. A delegation of over 40 representatives of ASOCIO attended the meeting and discussed about FDI in ICT, software exports and efforts for the market exploration among the member countries.

The Himalayan Times and Annapurna Post are the official media partners for the event.