Press Release
Georgiatel - 2006
On April 26-28 the 3rd Georgian International Telecommunications and Information Technologies Exhibition - GeorgiaTel 2006 and the 2nd Georgian International Polygraphy, Advertising and Media Exhibition - GePrintMedia 2006 were held at Sheraton Metechi Palace in Tbilisi, Georgia. The organisers of the Exhibitions were British Exhibition Company ITE Group PLC, the leading organiser of exhibitions and conferences in the CIS countries and Eastern Europe and its exclusive partner in Georgia ITECA Kavkasia Ltd. The Ministry of Economic Development of Georgia, Georgian National Communications Commission and UNDP officially supported the exhibitions.
The official opening ceremony of the Exhibitions took place on April 26, 11:00, in which Davit Tsiklauri, Deputy Minister of Economic Development of Georgia and David Komunadze, Executive Director of Iteca Kavkasia took part.
As the Deputy Minister of the Ministry of Economic Development Davit Tsiklauri declared in his welcoming speech, the aim of the exhibition was to present modern technologies to the customers and to support relations between businessmen. He thanked the organisers of the exhibitions and announced that this event would contribute to the establishment of business connections, and also, that such exhibitions promote the development of this field.
This year at the Exhibitions took part 20 companies from 9 countries, among them are: AL NOORI Computers (UAE), Daisytek Computers (UAE), Foundation "Deer Leap", Ministry of Education and Sciences (Georgia), Esabi (Georgia), GAT (Georgia), Geocell (Georgia), Georgia Telecom (Georgia), Gilat Satellite Networks (Israel), ITDC (Georgia), Magticom (Georgia), Mark Bric (Russia), MGE UPS Systems (UAE), Nokia (Georgia), Orient Logic (Georgia), Scancode (Armenia), Strong Ukraine (Ukraine), Videoscope (Georgia), ZTE (China) and others.
The exposition GeorgiaTel 2006 was presented telecommunications and networks, cable and wireless, software and automation systems, security systems and equipment, computers and computer technologies, broadcasting technologies, professional broadcasting equipment, office facilities and technologies, training & education.
In the framework of the exhibition GeorgiaTel 2006 an ICT Round Table took place in the Sheraton Metechi Palace Hotel on April 27. The Round Table focused on the development of this sector as well as on the implementation of IT in education. The Round Table was opened by a welcoming speech of Mr. Tamaz Kachlishvili, Deputy Head of Communication and IT Department of Ministry of Economic Development of Georgia and Mr. Mikheil Gotoshia, Head of Monitoring Service of Georgian Communication National Commission. 60 delegates took part in the Round Table. Speeches were hold by Mrs. Bela Tsipuria, Deputy Minister of Education and Sciences of Georgia, Mr. Ivane Gochitashvili, Head of Communication Department of Ministry of Economic Development of Georgia, Mr. David Lee, General Director of Magticom, Mr. Dauren Ermekbaev, Manager of ZTE Corporation Project, Mr. Arii Rozichner, Local Vice President on Sales of Gilat Satellite Networks Company, Mr. Kakha Demetrashvili, Head of UNDP in Georgia and others. The Round Table was sponsored by ZTE Corporation.
The exposition GePrintMedia 2006 was presented computer and prepress equipment, printing equipment, post-press and finishing equipment, equipment for advertising and design, photo laboratories, printing and advertising services, paper and cardboard, Inks and consumable materials, copiers and flexographic printing machines.
The companies presented many up-to-date technologies. The representatives of the companies tried to attract the visitors with the artificial design of their stands and some companies held even various shows.
It seems that the most active in arranging such shows was Geocell, which surprised visitors with live music, various presents and lotteries. Famous actor Duta Skhirtladze, who has already become the face of the company, made different drawings and drew everyone's attention. The Company also presented a novelty EDGE (Enhanced Data rates for Global Evolution) technology, allowing fast data transfer in the GSM network.
One more stand which gained the interest was the program of the Ministry of Education and Sciences of Georgia on computerization of Georgian schools "Deer Leap". The aim of the project launched last year is to create a countrywide school-based ICT infrastructure.
Mobile phones are a weak spot of Georgian customers and the crowded stall of the Nokia Company was the proof thereof. There were models currently for sale in Georgia as well as "coming soon" models.
One of the most interesting stands for mass media representatives was one occupied by Videoscope Company, authorized dealer of Sony professional solutions in Georgia. The company presented the latest models of Sony and JVS cameras besides other up-to-date technology.
During three days the exhibitions were visited more than 6 000 visitors. The entry was free of charge. The aim of the organisers was approved - the exhibitions GeorgiaTel 2006 and GePrintMedia 2006 made a possibility for consumers to get information about market condition, also for companies-participants to demonstrate there goods and services. The hall in the Sheraton Metechi Palace, filled with visitors, proves the interest towards these sectors and such exhibitions.