Governor Schwarzenegger to Open German Tech Fair
October 3, 2008
Schwarzenegger, who was born in Austria, hasn't been to Germany for several years, and said he is excited about coming back. The governor was quoted as saying that if he isn't hindered with "things like earthquakes and forest fires" he would gladly come to Hanover.
California is slated to be a partner with CeBIT in the coming year -- a role which usually goes to large nations like Russia or France, said Schwarzenegger at a press conference at microchip maker Intel. He added that the CeBIT trade show would give California a chance to demonstrate its innovative spirit and show its products to the global marketplace.
Technology goes green
Ernst Raue, head of the company German Trade Shows, said that CeBIT expects around 6,000 exhibitors at next year's event. CeBIT 2009 will continue on the success of this year's theme, "Green IT," by presenting eco-friendly solutions. It's expected that in the coming years billions of euros will be invested in "green" technology.
A second theme at CeBIT 2009 will be the technical and economic challenges and chances that go along with Internet usage. New business models, online services and content will be presented along with discussions on economic negotiation practices as they relate to the new online world.
The computer and telecommunications industries in Germany are expected to have 148 billion euros ($205 billion) in sales next year, according August-Wilhelm Scheer, president of telecommunications firm Bitkom.
He said that would be a market growth of four percent, even though pricing pressure in the telecommunications sector will led to a slight decrease in sales. But according to Scheer, sales of consumer electronics more than make up for that loss.