Dubai, UAE, 21^st January 2003

Comtrust, the e-solutions business unit of the UAE’s national telecommunications company Etisalat, staged eBusiness Forum in Doha today, highlighting the benefits of e-business. Talking to over 80 representatives from the public and private sector, leading industry experts from Comtrust outlined issues regarding integrated e-business strategy, dedicated ehosting and secure epayments.

This seminar was arranged jointly with Afkar Information Technology, the leading Internet solutions company and Comtrust solution partner (CSP) in Qatar. Since Afkar signed to Comtrust’s CSP in 2002, it has proactively promoted Comtrust’s comprehensive portfolio of e-solutions in Doha. Also presenting at the forum was Mr.Hussain Abunada, CEO of Afkar and Dr. Ahmad Al Muhandai, Project Manager of the Qatari E-Government initiative, who highlighted the role of online public services to the attending delegates.

Comtrust’s e-Business forum has been designed specifically to address the issues and promote the business values of e-business in the Middle East. Ahmad Abdul Karim Julfar, General Manager of Comtrust commented, “There is a growing trend of organizations realizing the need to integrate e-business strategy with their traditional lines of business. Success in the digital economy brings with it many new opportunities for organizations to communicate and interact with their customers. However, there is much more to e-business than merely extending a new sales and marketing channel.”

Saoud Al Shamsi, Sales Manager, Comtrust commented, “E-business encapsulates all aspects of utilizing the Internet in all business processes. Today, organizations need to identify the opportunities and challenges in a wide array of areas including online security, management of business applications, epayments and managed services, if they are to succeed in the new economy. Companies that utilize the services and solutions that Comtrust provides, can take advantage of our technical expertise, experience and resources in this field.”

Comtrust’s eBusiness Forum in Doha was the first in a series of seminar programs aimed at providing further education for organizations in the Middle East looking to broaden their e-business strategies. It was also the first seminar Comtrust has conducted outside the UAE, following a year of regional expansion in 2002. During the course of the year, Comtrust has signed up a number of partners in Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Pakistan, and Jordan, and is committed to providing state-of-the-art e-solutions throughout the region.

Hussain Abunada, CEO of Afkar Information Technology said, “We are delighted Comtrust chose to start its regional education program here in Doha, as it highlights the organization’s commitment to the Middle East market. Today’s seminar program is an important step in ensuring Qatari businesses have access to comprehensive information concerning the technological and business developments in the e-business marketplace. Together, we feel we can provide substantial business benefits to organizations looking to integrate e-business solutions into their business processes.”