ALKHOBAR, 13 June 2006 — Even with the terrible daily reports of bloodshed in Iraq, international companies have begun to take steps to introduce their products to an Iraqi public long starved of the latest technology.
Electronics and PC giant Acer, a long-time proponent of the model of using channel partners rather than going direct to market, has announced its latest partnership with MTC for distribution in Iraq.
“In our bid to enhance and augment our distribution in the region, Acer is committed to developing strong relationships with proven channel partners that have demonstrated and represent high levels of service and a long-term commitment to their partnerships,” said Philip Ashkar, director, Sales and Marketing, Acer Computer Middle East (Ltd).
MTC is a leading IT distribution company in the MENA region with a new 50,000 square foot assembly line and facility in the Jebel Ali Free Zone, Dubai. MTC regionally distributes items such as desktops, notebooks, LCD monitors and CRT monitors.
Acer, which is ranked as one of the world’s Top 4 branded PC vendors, is actually ranked in the Top 2 or 3 in most Middle East markets. Acer is not alone in its plans to serve the Iraqi market. Toshiba has decided to enter Iraq and Yemen. As part of its Middle East expansion plans, Toshiba has appointed i2 as its distribution partner and authorized service provider for Yemen and Iraq. The move comes at a time when demand for notebooks in both markets is growing due to increasing confidence in the future economy and Toshiba views the move as one that will increase its strong foothold in the Middle East notebooks market.
Samer Sayed, sales and marketing manager for Toshiba Computer Systems Division for Saudi Arabia, said the agreement with i2 was reached due to its presence in both markets in terms of sales and after-sales service.