The 22nd edition of CAN Info-Tech, the country’s biggest information and technology fair, is set to begin at Bhrikuti Mandap on Friday.

According to the organizer the Federation of Computer Association Nepal (CAN Federation), the six-day event is being held with the objective of imparting information about technological advancements and displaying the latest products in the market. Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli is scheduled to inaugurate the expo.

“Technology is advancing at a rapid speed. Since, we aim to display the latest offerings, people will definitely have a wide range of products to observe,” said Binod Dhakal, president of the CAN Federation.

The expo will feature 180

stalls, 49 in the main exhibition hall and the rest in three branding rooms outside it. There will

be five food stalls.

The expo will feature sales and maintenance of hardware components, power solutions, mobile phones and mobile accessories, among others.

Bishwo Ram Balami, general secretary of the CAN Federation, said that the event would be helpful in catering to the needs of IT enthusiasts. “Moreover, we will have multiple stakeholders under a common roof. This will definitely be a place to visit for IT enthusiasts,” Balami added.

Distributors of ICT products are expected to offer discounts during the expo. According to the CAN Federation, this has made the expo one of the most anticipated events in the country.

Meanwhile, the CAN Federation will be hosting an annual conference on the sidelines of the expo from February 1-2. This year’s meeting is entitled “Cyber Security: Challenges and Solutions for Developing Economies”.

Topics like critical infrastructure and protection, combating cyber security incidents in Nepal, security of e-enable services and applications and surveillance and privacy will be highlighted at the conference.

According to the CAN Federation, it had witnessed footfall of around 350,000 last year, and this year they expects the figure to cross 400,000.

Tickets for the event have been priced at Rs100, with a 50 percent discount for students. The association stated that it would be streaming the event live on its website www.can.org.np and www.caninfotech.org.np.