In 2006, the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) sector is expected to grow by about 6%, according to the conclusions of the report, Information Technology Outlook 2006, published recently by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD).
The report, which reviews trends and developments in the IT industry, highlights the fact that ICT trade is also growing even faster than production and sales, while worldwide ICT investment was up 5.6% a year between 2000 and 2005.
Along with other markets such as India, the report draws special attention to the Chinese market; in 2005 China was the world’s sixth largest ICT market after the United States, Japan, Germany, United Kingdom and France, and after overtaking the United States in 2004 as the world’s leading ICT exporter, China has continued with strong ICT exports in 2005 and 2006. The report also pointed out that although most Chinese ICT firms remain limited by their size and technological know-how, they are rapidly developing their production and exportation capacities, investing overseas to obtain technology, brands and distribution channels.
The report also includes an analysis of the IT sector’s internationalisation and development, as well as taking a look at digital content, emerging technological applications and the changing ICT policies and priorities of OECD countries.
