By a staff reporter LEBANESE
software industry has grown to $150 million, inclusive of related
services such as consultancy, training and implementation. Market
research indicates that over the past five years the country has
achieved a growth rate between 10 to 20 per cent in the software
development sector. It is currently estimated that Lebanese exports
in the software field amount to $50 million, according to
Professional Computer Association (PCA) in Lebanon.
In an
effort to highlight this upward trend, the country's IT industry
will be represented at Gitex Dubai 2002 with a group of leading
information, communication and technology companies, showcasing
their software expertise under the umbrella of the Lebanese pavilion
organised by PCA.
The pavilion will also be hosting a
delegation from the Investment and Development Authority of Lebanon
and the Lebanese Business Council which are expected to announce
export initiatives at the exhibition, according to a press
release.
"There has been a major increase in Lebanese
software exports to the Gulf which serves as our largest customer
base due to geographical proximity and competitive pricing," said
Michel Nseir, head of the Lebanese pavilion.
The companies
participating in Gitex this year include Automation Computer
Technology, Software Design, International Gateway, Dot Lb,
Terravision, DC soft, BMB, SETS, Internet Facilities and Al Yousifi,
he said, adding that they will also be exploring opportunities for
UAE investment in Lebanon's IT sector.
"Of late, many
companies based in the UAE have opened offices in Lebanon and we
expect it to become a trend in the coming years in view of the rapid
strides undertaken by the Lebanese IT sector," he said.
