Connect 2003 to focus on ITES and BPO

Connect 2003, the third annual ICT show of Tamil Nadu

would be held from September 18 - September 21, 2003 at Chennai Trade Center,

Nandambakkam. Speaking at the pre-launch ceremony, Vivek Harinarain, IT

Secretary, Government of Tamil Nadu, said that IT being moreover stabilized in

the State, the government intends to promote and project Tamil Nadu's strength

in ITES and BPO. The Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) and the Government

of Tamil Nadu are jointly holding the event.

For Connect 2003, the expectation is for 800

participants, 125 exhibitors, 80,000 visitors and 20 product launches. Last

year, nearly 640 participants, 80 exhibitors, 50,000 visitors turned up and 11

product launches happened.

"Connect is a home grown success story of private

and public venture," said Past Chairman R Parasuraman. The event would

focus on the opportunities in IT in domestic market, e-governance in states of

India, opportunities in value added BPO in Tamil Nadu and on enterprise

verticals. It would also feature a four-day International exhibition, an

International conference, CIO's summit and round table sessions focusing on BFSI,

healthcare and transportation sector. CIO Summit annually conducted by CII in

Delhi would this time be held in Connect 2003 event.

As of now, Malaysia and Sri Lanka are the confirmed

delegates for the event. Delegations from Europe Middle East, Singapore Asia

Pacific region and US are also expected to participate at Connect 2003.

Cyber News Service