The First National Exhibition of Software Products, Best Soft – UZBEKISTAN 2007, has opened today in the Central Exhibition Hall of the Academy of Arts. The opening date of the Exhibition was specifically chosen as May 17th to correspond with the date of celebration of the World Information Society Day, declared by the United Nation’s General Assembly in 2006. The event, tied to the celebration of the World Information Society Day, serves as an expression of Uzbekistan’s contribution to the international initiative.

The Exhibition is organized by IT Association of Uzbekistan and from the Government side is endorsed by Communication and Information Agency of Uzbekistan. "ICT Policy" (ICTP) Projectof United Nations Development Programme in Uzbekistan is among the organizers of theContest for Software Products, one of theactivities planned within the framework of the two day Exhibition.

The Best Soft – Uzbekistan 2007 is positioned as a major event and serves as a showcase of the country’s experience in software developing and project implementation for general public and IT specialists.

The official opening ceremony of BestSoft Uzbekistan was attended by representatives of several ministries and government agencies of Uzbekistan.

Noting in his opening speech the importance of the event as an instrument to demonstrate achievements and improve public awareness on software development , Mr. Khodjaev A.A., Deputy General Director of Communication and Information Agency of Uzbekistan said: "We hope that Exhibition "BestSoft Uzbekistan" will gain a deserving place among the events that aimed at supporting informatization process in Uzbekistan and will open new perspectives for software industry development"

During the specially organized tour, which followed the opening ceremony, senior government officials and guests were able to take a closer look at new developments and achievements in software industry.

The exhibition demonstrates existing and potential software applications and project solutions for business, government and general public sector.

Among the participants of the exhibition are international and domestic IT companies, software developmers, content developers, providers, research and academic institutions, representatives of ministries and agencies. More than fifty software market players submitted application for participation at the exhibition.

The exhibition agenda includes various activities, which include conduction of thematic seminars, project presentation sessions, and meetings to exchange with latest project implementation experiences.

Another event that will be held within the framework of the exhibition is the prize awarding ceremony of the winners of national contest on software market in the following nominations: Software Product – Product of the Year, Best Company in IT Training, Best Project Implementation 2006.

A permanently working seminar room is offered for all exhibition participants to organize company and product promotion events. Various entertainment events will be also offered to exhibition visitors.

Exhibition provides opportunity for participating companies to demonstrate products and services, while for users and potential clients it gives chance to learnmore about existing and new products and thus, through awareness raising of customers and facilitating new business contacts it assists to market development and building information society.