A huge delegation of Irish mobile communication companies are to exhibit their products at the world's largest event for the industry in France this week.
Mr Michael Ahern, Minister of State at the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment, will be heading a 19-strong group for the three-day, 3GSM World Congress and Exhibition, in Cannes in Southern France.
"This is a fast-growing industry with a market valued at over €300 billion in 2003 and projected to grow to over €500 billion by 2010," he said.
"This growth will be driven by a huge increase in data services and the emergence of developing markets." Mr Ahern said this would be a good chance for Irish wireless technology companies to meet with key buyers from other regions.
The 3GSM annual show, which begins today, will see over 28,000 telecoms experts from over 173 countries attend. Around 11 per cent of the delegates hail from the Asia and Far East regions which have growing mobile markets and 25 per cent of visitors are estimated to have a purchasing budget of over €45 million.
The trip was backed by Enterprise Ireland which has worked to support investment in around 40 companies in the mobile communications area.
Mr Aengus Wright of Cape Technologies said: "Based on our past experience of this event, this is the place to be if you are a business operating in the mobile telecoms industry and seeking maximum exposure to GSM operators and potential partners in this sector."