The first Computer and Technology Fair is being held at the Gozo Sports Complex from Friday 21 to Sunday 23 April.

Various suppliers of computer hardware, gadgets, consumables and software, from Malta and Gozo will be exhibiting the latest products that are available on the local home and office ICT market today.

The fair will also provide visitors the opportunity to get hands on experience in using a whole variety of products and services available locally.

With IT becoming increasingly important on the local front, with the SmartCity project clearly reflecting the country?s development in this area, the organisers have also invited training providers from both the private and public sectors to take part and thus provide information on training possibilities available in the Maltese islands.

Besides the three-day Computer and Technology Fair, a morning seminar for parents will be held to help them improve their knowledge of the internet. The seminar, held on Friday 21 at the Ninu Cremona Lyceum Hall in Victoria, is open to all parents who would like to know more about the subject including the protection of their children when surfing the internet.

Anthony Borg, Head of the Gozo Minister?s private secretariat said the organisation of such an event could entice home users and small and medium-sized businesses to check out what is on offer on today?s market and upgrade their services accordingly for the benefit of their operation and their clients? satisfaction.

Referring to the ministry?s contribution to ICT development on Gozo, Mr Borg said that the ministry has, to date, supplied Gozo schools with an average of one computer for every five students in primary schools and one computer for every 12 students in secondary schools, besides continually upgrading IT hardware and software in schools, public libraries and other government departments in Gozo.

The ministry has also upgraded infrastructure in several schools to host newer computer laboratories while, through the European Union?s European Social Fund, the ministry has issued a course for adults in e-commerce and IT and a scheme to help small and medium-sized Gozitan businesses improve IT in their businesses.

The fair, organised by Sign IT, is being supported by the Ministry for Gozo, the Gozo Business Chamber and Gozo Channel.

Entrance to the seminar and to the fair will be free of charge. Opening times are: Friday 21 from 6pm to 9pm, Saturday 22 from 6pm to 10pm and Sunday from 10am to 12.30pm and from 3pm to 9pm.