Thirty-six Indian companies are participating at Gitex 2008, the Middle East's largest technology show, that got under way here 19th Oct 2008.

Vice President and Prime Minister of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Ruler of Dubai Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum and Crown Prince of Dubai Sheikh Hamdan Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum inaugurated the five-day show at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre here.

Dubai World Trace Centre, which has organised the show, said around 3,300 companies from 83 countries are participating in the show.

The 36 Indian companies are participating here under the banner of Electronics and Computer Software Export Promotion Council of India (ESC).

According to Kamal Vachani, ESC's regional director for the Middle East, India's IT exports to the region reached $980 million in 2007-08.

"The region continues to maintain its fifth position for India's exports of electronics and computer software and services," he said.

ESC has been encouraging the Indian IT companies to participate in Gitex by offering special packages to them.

"The exhibition offers an exciting business potential for companies looking to expand operations in the region," ESC's executive director D.K. Sareen told reporters here.

"India's success in information technology and an expanding pool of human resources have created many areas of co-operation between the two regions for mutual advantage in areas ranging from banking, insurance and other financial services, manufacturing, retail and distribution," he added.

India's Consul General in Dubai Venu Rajamony will inaugurate the ESC pavilion at Gitex Monday.

Among other major international companies participating in Gitex Dubai are Microsoft, Google, HP, Blackberry, Oracle, Panasonic, Samsung Sun Microsystems and Symantec.

Source: IANS