851,735 PCs sold in Pakistan, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka in 2005

PC market in Pakistan, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka totaled 393,184 units in the second half of 2005, thus bringing full year 2005 shipments to 851,735 units, representing a 16% growth for the year. With full year growth of 19%, Pakistan boasted the highest growth rate among the three markets, while Bangladesh and Sri Lanka achieved respectable 13% and 12% growth rates respectively. IDC predicts that the compounded annual growth rate from 2006-2010 for Pakistan, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka will reach 19%, 22% and 11% respectively, largely driven by public sector purchases, as well as the telecommunications and financial services sectors. In Pakistan, local branded PC vendors such as In-Box and Raffles achieved commendable market share in the past year by banking on government and education projects. But multinational PC vendor HP grew 38.5% YTY to take the top spot in Sri Lanka in 2005 thanks to projects in the government, corporate, and education sectors.