Dubai: The UAE has been ranked India’s No 2 destination for the export of electronics goods for the fiscal year 2014-15, a top official has revealed.
India exported electronics worth $440 million to the UAE during the period. In top spot was the United States, which was the top destination for exports valued at $1.01 billion.
Kamal Vachani, regional director for Middle East at Electronics & Computer Software Export Promotion Council (ESC), an autonomous body under the auspices of the Indian Ministry of Communications and IT, said the Middle East continues to enjoy solid growth rates despite a global slowdown, with exports to the region weighing in at $1 billion.
Exports of software and related services to the Middle East also registered a growth of 3.24 per cent, rising from $2.07 billion in the 2013-14 period to $2.14 billion for the 2014-2015 period.
India’s total hardware exports stood at $6.01 billion last year while computer software and service exports were valued at $97 billion.
“India is making a number of efforts to enhance electronics manufacturing within the country,” Vachani said. “This involves minimising [the] number of processes and time involved in starting a business and necessary approvals.”
The Tech event is continuing to emerge as the “largest and the most impressive ICT event” of its kind in the Middle East.
Vachani added that India has a great stake in the booming Middle East, Africa, Asia and European markets for which Dubai is the gateway.
Thus the event provides participating Indian ICT companies with a chance to scout for opportunities in the expanding Middle East market.
He said there was a growing level of interest among Indian companies eager to explore the Middle East and neighbouring countries.
“We have earmarked Dubai as the main thrust of India’s export of software services and hardware. We have seen a great potential in exhibiting in Gitex,” Vachani said.
India pavilion was inaugurated by Anurag Bhushan, Consul-General of India, Dubai, and Dr Juma Al Matroushi, senior executive vice-president for Commercial at the Dubai Silicon Oasis Authority.
The ESC is fielding 48 companies at this event to further strengthen its export market because of the booming UAE market and its business-friendly atmosphere.
“IT exports from India to the Middle East, particularly to the UAE, have increased substantially in recent years. We see huge potential for further growth as ESC is devising new strategies to expand its market share in the region,” Vachani said.
The ESC plans to organise more sharply focused export shows that will give more exposure to Indian IT products and services.
