CAIRO: The 15th annual Cairo International Telecommunication Information Technology (ICT) Trade Fair and Forum, originally scheduled for Feb. 20-23, has been moved to May 25-28 after being postponed due to recent events. “Organizers believe this date is most appropriate to hold the fair and forum, after surveying the opinions of participants and experts who firmly trust the situation is heading towards stability in Egypt,” said a press statement released by the organizers. The date was chosen as a way to allow the business world and government to be in a more stable condition rather than the state of uncertainty that is currently being felt. Experts have predicted that even though the ICT industry was affected, it will bounce back ahead of other sectors with the increase in demand recently and proving effectiveness. A majority of projects are at a halt presently, specifically those pertaining to the government, but signs point to the government resuming work on vital projects before holding elections. As a state of normalcy is slowly returning to Egyptians throughout the country, the trade movement is expected to gradually return with more investment and business opportunities for the future. Multiple multinational companies that are currently operating in Egypt have made announcements as to not decrease their investments, but rather a rearrangement of priorities while carrying out their business as usual. Last month, the organizers of the ICT announced France as this year's guest of honor country. France was the first country to lift their travel ban to Egypt after the recent events and “reiterates the depth of understanding and cooperation between both countries and France's support for the Egyptian economy.” A large pavilion has been reserved by France in the exhibition for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) looking for new business opportunities in Egypt. The organizers have hope that the new date will be met with a positive response and “this will be manifested in supporting the industry and the economy on one hand and seeking to send out a message to the world that Egypt's economy has started moving again, spearheaded by the IT, communications and media sectors; the three sectors which have become the takeoff point for Egypt and the world.” –Daily News Egypt
