More than 60 companies - among them some Nigerian firms - are taking part in a five-day exhibition which opened here Tuesday.

Organised by the US Commercial Services in partnership with some Nigerian firms, the exhibition, called the Computer Technology and Office Equipment (CTO) exhib i tion, is showcasing seminars, the launching of products and services and demonst r ations of modern cutting edge businesses and home-made tools.

Opening the exhibition, the US Ambassador to Nigeria, Robin Renne Sanders, said the exhibition/seminars would help market development tools of the US Commercial Services in Nigeria.

PANA reports that the current exhibition is the largest exhibition of its kind i n West Africa at which local companies working in partnership with American coun t erparts showcase the best of technology, equipment and services of the US Compan i es.

It is an annual event which commenced in 1989 and highlights trade and investmen t opportunities offered by the "tripple play of voice, data and video technologies".

During the exhibition, local and international experts will speak on critical is sues affecting Information Communication Technology (ICT) in the world.

The Theme for the exhibition is "A world without Borders".

Ambassador Sanders said "It is a technology market place where local companies r epresenting or working with US suppliers and manufacturers of computers, telecom m unications and office equipment showcase the latest hi-tech tools for modern businesses.

"It is a wonderful way to show the partnership. It is a wonderful way to show fu ture of innovative technology. I am really proud of what I am seeing and the part nership with the Banks."

Reginald Ihijiahi, Chief Executive Officer of Fidelity Bank Plc - one of the spo nsors of the exhibition, said "it is in our interest to support the growth of business between Nigeria and the US. It is also part of capacity building which is very important. You watch some of the items on displa yed, they are not just office but technology for everyday use - for education, c o mmunication, health and mobile health services."

The senior commercial specialist of the US Commercial Service, Anayo Agu, observ ed that the theme of the exhibition recognised that globalisation was here and that competition knew no borders.

"The unique thing about this year's exhibition comes from the theme and partners hip. We recognised the truth that we can no longer be talking about Nigerian sta n dard but global standards. This is because competition is no longer limited to t h e next man but from across the world," he said.