The first national CAN Soft-Tech-2007, one of the important IT fair of the country, has started at the United World Trade Center in the Direction Exhibition & Convention Center from Wednesday with the objective of promoting Nepali software and exploring markets for knowledge-based industry.

According to Computer Association of Nepal (CAN), organiser of the gala IT event, there are 77 stalls of renowned national and international software products in the fair.

“It will be an opportunity for national and international software developers/products and software users in different fields and personalities involved in IT industries to meet together, share ideas and demonstrate their products (Brands),” the CAN said.

Software pertaining to operating system, banking, airlines, healthcare, finance, communication , engineering among others are in the display in the four day long IT event. CAN informed that CAN Soft-Tech Expo will be conducted annually.

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.

Minister for Science and Technology Mahanta Thakur addressing the inaugural fuction of ?First Nepal Software Expo? in the capital on Wednesday, May 02 07. nepalnews.com/ANA

Minister for Science and Technology Mahanta Thakur addressing the inaugural…
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.

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, adding, “It will also serve as a platform to highlight Nepal’s strength in software development, and IT solutions.”

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.