STRONG growth potential is expected for the PC market in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, Dr. Rudi Aunkofer, GfK's global director for IT, said Friday, ahead of his keynote at DISTREE Middle East slated on May 15. Aunkofer said GfK will also run a workshop session and participate in forums throughout the event, offering delegates access to the latest data and research insights. GfK will also run a workshop session and participate in forums throughout the event, offering delegates access to the latest data and research insights. The premier annual event for retailers, distributors and vendors involved in the region's ICT and consumer electronic channel. Commenting on the MENA PC market, GfK said: “Differing economic, social and retail conditions are still evident in a number of countries in the MENA region. Looking purely at the retail structure, the increasing amount of shopping centres and the development of larger stores in the GCC is in stark contrast to the remaining dominance of the traditional souk markets across North Africa.” “Against these varying country backdrops, the sales development of computers also differs. Countries heavily impacted by the Arab Spring, such as Egypt, experienced a sales recovery and rediscovered growth following the first quarter of 2011. In comparison, those with strong economic developments, such as Saudi Arabia, witnessed healthy increases in the PC market, but to a lesser degree. The UAE, on the other hand, only saw growth from new segments such as tablets,” GfK added.
