Roadmap to Asia

ITU Telecom World, a first in Asia-Pacific - December 4-8, 2006

August 25, 2006

Hong Kong, December 4-8, 2006 > Canadian companies looking to explore opportunities in China’s booming information and communication technology (ICT) market should join Canada’s national pavilion at ITU Telecom World, one of the world’s major ICT trade shows.

The event takes place every three years and is traditionally held in Geneva where ITU (the International Telecommunication Union, a United Nations agency) is headquartered. This year marks the show’s first foray into the Asia-Pacific region, recognition of the importance of the region’s emerging markets in the ICT marketplace. More than 100,000 visitors are expected, including some 500 CEOs.

Why participate?

China is the world’s largest mobile market and offers tremendous potential for companies in telecommunications, wireless, photonics (light technology) and the new media sectors. China has more than 410 million mobile subscribers, yet mobile penetration hovers at just 30.3%, offering significant potential for growth. Organizers say rising consumer purchasing power and the transition to next-generation technologies such as 3G will continue to drive this growth.

When it comes to opportunities in the photonics sector, China is mainly a source of suppliers. However, due to its dynamic development and to the size of the market, the beginnings of a significant sales market is taking shape. In May 2006, for example, the Canadian government and the Canadian Advanced Technology Alliance organized an incoming photonics buyers mission to Canada which generated a number of leads for Canadian photonics companies.

Demand for gaming technology in China is also enormous, creating significant opportunities for Canadian new media and gaming companies. In fact, the number of online gamers increased 30% in 2005 to 26 million and China is expected to become the top online gaming market in the world by 2007.

For Canadian ICT companies interested in China, ITU Telecom World affords exporters the opportunity to network with all the major buyers such as China Telecom, China Unicom, China Mobile and others. Many key multinational companies such as Microsoft, Alcatel & AT&T will also be present. Canadian trade commissioners from throughout Asia will also be on-site to help introduce exporters to prospective partners.

For more information, go to www.itu.int/world2006 or contact:
Brian Wong
Canadian Consulate in Hong Kong
Email: brian.wong@international.gc.ca
or
Stephanie Berlet
Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada
Tel.: (613) 996-2974
Email: stephanie.berlet@international.gc.ca