SFTA Press Release - For Immediate Release

SOUTH FLORIDA TECHNOLOGY ALLIANCE (SFTA) TO HOST EXCLUSIVE FORUM FOR SOUTH FLORIDA BUSINESS & TECHNOLOGY LEADERS TO MEET WITH CHINESE GOVERNMENT DEVELOPMENT DELEGATION FROM JIANGSU PROVINCE

Registration now open to meet with delegation officials and companies on October 20, 2008

Fort Lauderdale – September 30, 2008 – The South Florida Technology Alliance (SFTA) announced details for a forum between South Florida information technology leaders and Jiangsu Province government officials on October 20, 2008 from 4:30 – 8:30 p.m. at the Fort Lauderdale Marriott North (just north of Cypress Creek on Andrews).

Jiangsu Province, located northwest of Shanghai and south of Beijing, with a GDP growth rate of 14.7%, is now considered a growing technology center with many U.S. companies already outsourcing software development to Chinese technology companies there.

Chip Casanave, president of SFTA, will open the session with reasons for the need for the two countries to work together. Casanave explains, “China is already established in the software development sector with well-qualified programming teams serving a wide variety of U.S. customers. This event is an exciting chance for south Florida technology executives to learn more about opportunities with Chinese companies and vice versa.”

The evening forum continues with a keynote speech from Mr. Wang Runliang, Deputy Director General Jiangsu Development Reform Commission, who will detail current trade statistics with the U.S. and Chinese government policies. Following the keynote, Peter A. Quinter, Attorney with Becker & Poliakoff and Board Certified International Attorney Customs and International Trade Department will lead a panel of speakers to discuss risks and opportunities, and how to prevent cultural barriers for business success.

Purposes of this first forum will detail Jiangsu Province’s infrastructure:
• Rapid economic growth, which is expected to reach $US330 billion this year.
• Easy travel from Shanghai either by air or by rail, a 2-hour ride; or an 8-hour trip from Beijing
• Internet accessibility via 5 million wide-band access ports to support a 10 million surfing population
• Software education studies in 46 universities with 40,000 students enrolled
• Software enterprises now total 3,000 with approximately 170,000 employees; and 45 enterprises are now qualified with CMM/CMMI2 or above.

The following are key indicators of strengthening activity:
• Leading U.S. companies, including Microsoft, Oracle, IBM, Alcatel, Canon, Siemens, and Lucent, have already set up software companies, software R&D and training institutions
• Strong government support to promote policies and incentives
• Low cost of doing business, i.e., Grade A office space at US$10 square meter
• Chinese government support to safeguard intellectual property rights and data security protection

There will be opportunities to network and exchange business contacts before and after the official proceedings with executives of the Chinese delegation and companies offering their services.

South Florida’s iCoast and Broward Alliance organizations are also partnering with SFTA at this forum.

To register for this exclusive forum, visit http://www.BusinessEvents.com/China and enter the code "SFTA" to receive a $25 discount from the $75 registration fee; or call 561-241-7309 to register by phone.

About the South Florida Technology Alliance
The South Florida Technology Alliance (SFTA) promotes the growth, success and awareness of this vibrant technology community. The SFTA’s focus is to foster an exciting network of companies, academia, capital resources, and government for the immediate and future success of technology-related interests in the South Florida region. More information is available at http://www.southfloridatech.org

Contact:
Jackie Fernandez
South Florida Technology Alliance
+1 (954) 239.9739
Jackie@southfloridatech.org