The mega Information Communications Technology (ICT) event is being organized by Computer Association of Nepal (CAN) Federation with an objective to promote domestic ICT sector and provide a common platform for all IT enthusiasts.

Inaugurating the event, Deputy Prime Minister Prakash Man Singh said the government was ready to extend all necessary support for the development of ICT sector. He also said that pace of ICT sector development has slowed down in recent years due to political instability.

Speaking at the inauguration program, Binod Dhakal, president of CAN Federation, said they will expand working area of the federation for the promotion of ICT sector and increase people´s access to ICT reports My Republica.

Similarly, Krishna Chandra Paudel, secretary of Ministry of Science Technology and Environment, urged stakeholders to focus on development of human resources for the development of ICT sector. "The government is planning to operate IT Park in Banepa under the public private partnership (PPP) model. We are giving finishing touches to the modality," Poudel added.

The Info-Tech has 219 stalls including nine food stalls. Dealers of computer hardware and software, computer maintenance firms, power solution providers, mobile and accessories dealers, computer distributors, Internet service providers, telecommunication operators, ICT colleges and training institutes, software solution and payment solution providers, and bank and financial institutions, among others have exhibited their products and services at the expo.

All the participating companies have announced special offer and discounts to attract visitors. Some companies are making visitors play different games and giving prizes on the spot.

CAN Federation has displayed pictures, demonstrating history of CAN Info-Tech, at the entrance.

Speaking on the occasion, Rajendra Malla, vice president of Nepal Chamber of Commerce, and Dinesh Shrestha, vice president of Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industries (FNCCI) said the government should give priority to IT sector. Shrestha asked the government to provide VAT exemption to software companies.

The Info-Tech had received 431,350 visitors last years. The organizers are expecting 450,000 visitors this year.

Amrit Pant, general secretary of CAN Federation, said that the event is getting bigger with every passing year. "Many new companies have participated in the expo this year," he added.

CAN Federation is charging entry fee of Rs 150 per visitors. Students, however, get 50 percent discount on entry fee. Students of government will get free entry if they produce formal letter with name of the students.