Previous exhibitors will be present again, whilst we have also witnessed substantial interest from manufacturers around the world for whom this will be their first visit to SOFEX.

Since the huge success of our fifth edition in 2004, we have invested in expanding and upgrading the SOFEX site to ensure that SOFEX 2006 is even better than the last edition.

Since the huge success of our 5th edition in 2004, we have invested in expanding and upgrading the SOFEX site to ensure that SOFEX 2006 is even better than the last edition. Furthermore, we have now been accredited by the US Department of Commerce, as well as being awarded similar classifications from numerous European countries, showing the global trust and belief held by many in the SOFEX series.

While there is uncertainty about the economy at present we still expect the next move in interest rates will be down and that this is likely early in 2006. But while the market responded quite swiftly to the rate cut in August, we do not expect a cut to cause annual house price inflation to accelerate back up to levels seen in early 2005.

The increasingly competitive Middle Eastern market requires telecom providers to offer services that will help differentiate them and attract new customers. This move toward bringing seamless solutions and technologies to new markets can help PTC achieve its long-term business objectives.

I believe that the present government will do what is in the best interest of the Bahamian people and I look forward to us being fully on board with PetroCaribe,