India's electronics exports to Mideast surge 145%

Dubai: India's exports of electronics to the Middle East have surged 145 per cent to more than $1 billion (Dh3.67 billion) in 2008-09, compared to $411 million in 2007-08.

"The growth in exports clearly shows the rising interest amongst the Indian ICT [information and communication technology] exporting community to explore Middle East and neighbouring countries for growth prospects," Kamal Vachani, Regional Director of the Electronics and Computer Software Export Promotion Council (ESC) for the Middle East, said.

He said the share of electronics hardware exports to the Middle East increased from 12.53 per cent to 14.81 per cent, making the Middle East the third ranking destination for India's electronics hardware exports in 2008-09.

Exports of software and services are an estimated $49.54 billion up from $43.46 billion in 2007-08.

Vachani said about 60 Indian companies are showcasing their capabilities in IT hardware, IT software and services and telecoms at Gitex and expect to generate $8 million (Dh29.36 million) in revenues, an increase of 60 per cent over the $5 million (Dh18.35 million) of last year.

Last year 35 Indian companies took part in Gitex.

"We will take all steps to ensure that ESC maintains top position in promoting exports of IT and IT-related products to Dubai and the Middle East," he said.

He said the Indian software industry has increasingly moved away from direct marketing to end-users to provide solutions to a host of operational areas in manufacturing and services. These are areas which are directly relevant to the Middle East and neighbouring countries.

Kerala in focus

The Government of Kerala is showcasing its various investment opportunities and IT parks at Gitex as the state seeks to become the next big IT destination in the country. Among the various projects showcased are the newly opened Infopark at Koratty, Thrissur and Cyberpark projects in Kannur, Kozhikode and Technopark in Kollam.

"Koratty has become the third destination for IT industry in Kerala, after Thiruvananthapuram and Kochi. The initial rush to Koratty is indicative of the acceptance of this new destination by IT companies," Dr Ajay Kumar, Secretary - Information Technology, Government of Kerala, said.