FW: GITEX PR

["PITA Mashhour" <abudaka@pita-palestine.org>]

Your input is requested


Regards
Mashhour Abudaka

-----Original Message-----
From: a manda [mailto:amanda@ellamtam.com]
Sent: Monday, September 10, 2001 12:07 PM
To: lzayed@paltrade.com; abudaka@pita-palestine.org; Omar_Sahili@dai.com;
malki@ellamtam.com; khusseini@ellamtam.com; rana@ellamtam.com
Subject: GITEX PR

Dear Sirs,

In order to save time following our interrupted meeting yesterday, we
would like to clarify the content and goals of the brochure that Ellam
Tam will produce for the GITEX exhibition, and outline the information we
need from you before we arrange another meeting.

As outlined in our proposal, Ellam Tam, as part of our responsibility to
coordinate the presentation of a unified image and message for the
Palestinian Pavillion at GITEX, will create the text and help to guide
the design of the brochure that will be one of the principal marketing
tools for the Palestinian Pavillion.  As such we expect to combine
information on the sector (particularly focusing on the attractions of
the Palestinian IT sector for potential investors and trade partners) and
present it in a way that will not only inform but excite.  This will
potentially include a few sentences on individual exhibitors and the
special opportunities they offer.

We aim to finish collecting the information needed and have the first
brochure draft ready by early next week.  As such we hope it will be
prepared in time for use if needed in the preparation of the Exhibition
catalogue being handled by Paltrade.

The information presented in the brochure will harmonise with the overall
messages and themes of the Palestinian representation at the exhibition
that are being coordinated by Ellam Tam in the various material being
prepared (including banners, Press releases etc), as well as the message
and image that Ellam Tam will help the Palestinian representation to
present to the media.

In addition to the sector and company profile information provided to us
by Paltrade and PITA we are making the most of available resources by
utilising available reports and studies, speaking to experts and meeting
the individual companies in order to clarify their unique strengths, and
ensuring that we have the information to pass on to the media directly
and via GITEX spokespeople to promote the strengths of the Palestinian IT
sector and explain how it's weaknesses are being overcome.

We would much appreciate if you could confirm that this is in line with
your requirements from Ellam Tam.

In addition, it would help us greatly if you could assist in providing
the following information, which is important for the brochure, and even
more so to ensure a solid and informed media approach.

1. One weakness of the Palestinian IT sector that has been identified by
various sources is the fact that although Palestine has a highly educated
population, the field of IT education is not particularly strong.  How do
you see this, and what initiatives are there to change it, ensuring a
pool of highly-trained IT professionals for the future?

2. Various documents (including IT Sector Profile received from PITA)
mention tax and other investment incentives.  Other than tax holidays and
the 20% corporate tax rate, what other incentives exist (or can be
expected to be introduced in the near future - and IT industrial
estate/incubator  was mentioned in one docuement)?

3. Mention has been made of efforts to have PITA members qualify for
international quality standards.  What are these efforts, and when are
they likely to bear fruit?

4. What information is available to show how Palestine compares
regionally in terms of quality and price competitiveness (statistics,
reports, studies, articles)?

5. Some of the possibilities of the Palestine IT sector are summarised
under the following headings: price competitiveness(?), unique products,
a gateway between west and east, resourceful businesspeople (as proven by
successful development despite the hardships), high value on education
(though there needs to be more focus on IT), donor support providing
solid base for rapid future development, FTAs and other trade agreements,
good business combined with supporting the Palestinian struggle for peace.
Are there other ways do Palestinian companies offer a unique
investment/partnership opportunity regionally and internationally?

6. Some sources stress the quality of the available telecommunications
infrastructure, others say it is actually not adequate.  Do you have
other objective sources of information on this?  (we need to be able to
answer the critics - either proving that it is adequate (poss through
comparison with other countries), or explaining how it is being/will be
made adequate).

Written replies to the above would be great if possible, and if need be,
we can also arrange a meeting in the next day or two to discuss these
questions.  I will phone you all individually to clarify anything not
clear, and listen to any additional ideas you have.

With your help on these questions, we look forward to presenting you with
the draft for an exciting and informative brochure next week!

Best Regards,
Amanda Scothern,
Ellam Tam