JEDDAH, 17 December 2005 — Exhibitors of COMMTEL ‘05, which ended here yesterday, said most of them had reached deals that could run into millions of riyals. Participants reporting “good business” said their offer of latest IT and communications technologies, and business solutions had “tremendous inquiries, proposals, or firm orders” from local businessmen and professionals.
Saudi Arabia’s 20th international event for computing, the Internet, office equipment and accessories, business communications, and mobile phones also marked a record attendance of 96,000 visitors, 6,000 more than the last year’s show.
Saudi Telecom Company (STC), which showcased the 3G technology at its “dome,” sponsored the five-day event, which was opened by Jeddah Governor Prince Mishaal ibn Majed and organized by Al-Harithy Company for Exhibitions Ltd. (ACE) with the support of various ministries and official agencies, as well as Council of Saudi Chambers of Commerce & Industry, and Saudi Computer Society.
“We’re extremely satisfied with the inquiries we received and the businesses we transacted or that are in the pipeline during the exhibition days and we consider this a most rewarding experience,” said Syed Azhar Ali, sales manager for the Western Province of Zajil, described as the first data and Internet services provider in the Middle East, said.
“Like us, many others must have received new business proposals at the show,” said Ahmed Dessoky, Jeddah-based regional manager of Axiom Telecom.
“Aside from identifying or finalizing new local partners, dealers and agents by first-time exhibitors, the deals transacted or proposed could run into multimillion riyals,” Mohammed Jassem Al-Jarodi, engineer assistant at Electronet, said. Similar was the view of Ahmad Hamdouna of Integrated Solutions for Business.