World computer firms flock to HCM City

More than 200 local and international exhibitors are displaying their latest hi-tech products and services at the 13 th annual Viet Nam Computer Electronics World Expo 2008 that began on July 16.

The exhibition, which covers 8,000sq.m. is the largest event of its kind in Viet Nam and Indochina .

The event is expected to attract more than 260,000 visitors interested in hi-tech devices and technologies.

The US-based International Data Group (IDG) and HCM City Computer Association chaired the event with the Viet Nam Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

International brand names exhibited at the event include Canon, Asus, Gigabyte, Samsung, Intel, Sony, Panasonic, Toshiba, Hitachi, LG, Fujifilm, JVC, Acer, Olympus, Brother, and AOC.

Information technology spending this year estimated at about 2 billion USD (including hardware, software and services), up 15% on last year.

Between now and 2010, the number of digital products used in the country is expected to increase by more than 10%, and the growth rate in the audio and video products by 5 to 6%, according to a forecast by the Vietnam Electronic Industries Association.

Patrick J Mc Govern, founder and chairman of IDG, said Vietnam’s IT market, one of the fastest growing in the world, is developing rapidly and expected to expand by 20-21% this year.

“In the past, producers introduced their products elsewhere and later sold them in Vietnam . Now we have a leading company like Intel introducing their latest technologies and products here,” said Govern.

VCW 2008 will take place at HCM City International Exhibition and Convention Center in Tan Binh district through July. (VNA)