2005 Press Releases

U. S. EMBASSY TO HOST INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY FAIR

(10/1/2005)

The United States Embassy is planning a one-day Information Technology (IT) Fair to showcase the latest IT gadgets and services by more than 20 local and regional companies.  The event will be held on Thursday, February 3, 2005, from 0900 – 1600 hours, in the Jacaranda Rooms at the Harare Sheraton Hotel.

 

The Fair is intended to unveil the latest gadgets and services in a renewed bid to boost and spur support for development efforts to create new jobs and empowerment in Zimbabwe.  Hundreds of visitors are expected to take a glimpse into the future of work and play at this inaugural fair, which has drawn exhibitors from more than 20 local and regional companies.

 

United States Ambassador Christopher Dell and Reserve Governor Dr. Gideon Gono will do a joint walk-through of the fair at 1100 hours before addressing exhibitors and IT contacts.  They will also field questions from journalists.

 

Last year the United States exported over US$50 million worth of good to Zimbabwe.  IT products represent a growing portion of the exports.

 

The U. S. market for IT is over US$800 billion and it is one of America’s fastest growing industries, encompassing computers, software, telecommunications products and services, Internet and online services, systems integration, and professional services companies.

 

IT spending in the U. S. is still growing fast, with a projected compound annual growth rate of 6.8 percent per year from 2003 through 2007, outpacing projected growth of the U. S. economy over that time by 1.2 percent.