[45650] in Hotline Meeting
GULF-Y2K CONFERENCE/EXPO
daemon@ATHENA.MIT.EDU (merzak@emirates.net.ae)
Sun Nov 1 05:31:59 1998
From: <merzak@emirates.net.ae>
Date: Sun, 1 Nov 98 05:31:39 EST
To: merzak@emirates.net.ae
Dear colleague,
We are pleased to announce the organization of the Dubai-Year 2000 conference expo to be held in
February 1-3, 1999. This confexpo is aimed at raising Y2K awareness among the North Africa and
Middle East (MENA) and Gulf private and governmental officials. It addresses both the technical
aspects of the bug as well as the potential impacts on all major sectors of the economy. Speakers
from IT companies, the world Bank, the Duke University, UAE University, and some other US
departments are sharing their Y2K experience with regional private and governmental institutions
looking for real and fast solutions to their Y2K-related problems. Exhibitors as well as individuals are
also welcome to submit their proposals for presentations.
The event also aims at providing real Y2K solutions to all major sectors of the economy (Healthcare,
Telecommunications, Utilities, Energy, Banking, Construction, Transportationetc.) through its
exhibition of Y2K vendors. A limited exhibition space of 3000 square meters is available to
companies offering reliable solutions to the problem and willing to develop their business in the Middle
East where the IT market has been recently estimated to be worth $2 billion and to show a big
growth potential since it still represents less than 1% of the GDP. Y2K Compliance will now make the
difference in all sectors affected.
Government officials and decision-makers from all sectors of the economy of the Gulf countries are
selectively invited to the confexpo (Hospitals and Laboratories, Telecom, Water and Electricity
Departments, Economical Departments, Banks, Municipalities, Free Zones, Ports, Airports, Travel
agencies, Hotels, Agriculture, Security, Police, Army, Industriesetc).
Please visit our Y2K web site for full information: http://www.gulfnetec.com.
The MENA region is so important to the global economy that the millenium bug in these countries
could have dramatic worldwide consequences. MENA plays a dynamic role in the global market,
accounting for 6% of world trade (excluding its own internal trade). It is an active trading entity
interacting with all other regions of the globe. Its trade activities stretch from New Zealand in the
South Pacific to Latin America in the Atlantic. With more than two-thirds of the world's oil reserves,
MENA is the leading exporter of crude petroleum, accounting for 53% of the world's exports of the
commodity. The MENA region is also a leading exporter of natural gas and natural phosphates, with
their exports comprising 22% and 39% respectively of the world export of these commodities. MENA
enjoys an abundance of other resources and commodities, ranked highly in global exports. MENA is
also the highest in the world for imports of select foodstuffs.
The region's GDP grew at an annual average rate of 3.2 percent, which compares favorably with the
rates achieved in both Latin America and sub-Saharan Africa during the same period. Inflation
performance has been relatively good, compared with other developing regions. Efforts to lower
budget deficits and promote private savings have reduced domestic financial imbalances. Financial
sectors have been reformed, and exchange rate regimes have been liberalized in a number of
countries. Foreign assets remain also significant. Therefore, the Y2K problem can cause severe
damages to the global economy if this region does not take the necessary steps toward solving the
problem.
The Dubai Y2K conference-expo aims at fostering relationship between MENA countries and foreign
partners in order to avoid what it still could be avoided.
We look forward seeing you in February 1-3, 1999 in Dubai-United Arab Emirates
Abderrahim Merzak Ph.D.
Assistant Professor
General Manager
GCE: Organizers.
http://www.gulfnetec.com
merzak@emirates.net.ae
