The 24th edition of CAN-Info Tech, an annual information technology exhibition organised by the Federation of Computer Association of Nepal (CAN Federation), kicked off on Thursday at Bhrikutimandap in Kathmandu. The six-day fair will showcase technology related products and services, with focus on sales of IT hardware, power solutions, mobile accessories, telecommunications equipment, software and payment solutions.

The IT expo was inaugurated by Information and Communications Minister Mohan Bahadur Basnet. To highlight the fusion of tradition and technology, organisers also flew a drone, which sprayed petals of marigold, to inaugurate the ceremony.

“In the age of technology, failure to prioritise IT sector will prevent the country from achieving much-needed economic prosperity,” Minister Basnet said, stressing on the need for collaboration between the government and the private sector to deliver tangible results in technological development. “I urge the private sector, including the CAN Federation, to provide assistance and feedback to the government.”

CAN Federation President Hemant Kumar Chaurasia said, “Until information and communication technology is accessible to rural people, it would be difficult to implement the concept of e-Nepal envisioned by the CAN Federation.”  He also called on the government to promote information technology to make galloping progress in implementation of ‘Digital Nepal’. The CAN-Info Tech is a flagship event of the CAN Federation, which attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors every year.

This year, organisers expect people from all walks of life, including entrepreneurs, customers, policy-makers, students, officials from governmental agencies and banks, and representatives from diplomatic bodies, to attend the fair. Organisers expect the show to draw over 400,000 visitors in the six-day period till January 30.

The show features IT goods and services of over 155 companies. These companies are providing special discounts and offers to attract customers. The expo features various electronic and networking devices such as mobile phones and accessories, routers, television sets, laptops, and printers. The title sponsor of the event is Subisu CableNet Pvt Ltd and the associate sponsor is Motorola Nepal. The show features altogether 222 stalls, with 49 big stalls inside the main hall, five branding exhibition stalls, 144 stalls in trusses, 14 stalls in open spaces and 10 food stalls. The expo is also hosting a separate pavilion consisting of 44 stalls from more than a dozen software companies.

The regular entrance fee is fixed at Rs100, but students can receive a 50 percent discount.  The CAN Federation is organising four CAN Info-Tech Expos outside the Kathmandu valley in Narayangadh, Butwal, Pokhara and Itahari with the aim of spreading technological products and services across the country.