Dubai: India's overall IT exports to the Middle East registered a whopping 154 per cent to $2.5 billion (Dh9.2 billion) during the year 2008-2009 compared to $980 million in 2007-2008 making the region as the fourth largest destination in the world, said a top official at Electronics and Computer Software Export Promotion Council (ESC).
According to Kamal Vachani, Regional Director of ESC for the Middle East, 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 the council is devising new strategies to expand its market share in the region despite the global economic slowdown.
ESC is an autonomous body under the Indian Ministry of Communications and IT.
Top destination
North America maintained the top position for India's export of electronics, computer software and services during the year 2008-09. The region accounted for 53.09 per cent of the total exports to $29.91 billion, a growth of 24.48 per cent compared to $27.45 billion registered in 2007-08.
EU countries remained the second top destination by registered a growth of 52.39 per cent from $12.54 billion to $16.73 billion during the year 2008-09.
Singapore, Hong Kong and other South Asian countries, remained at the third position by registering a growth of 34 per cent.
Exports to African countries also registered a high growth of 212 per cent while exports to Japan, Korea and other Far East countries and Latin American countries registered a decline during 2008-09.
Vachani said the growth in exports clearly shows the rising interest amongst the Indian ICT exporting community to explore Middle East and neighbouring countries for export prospects.
Exports of electronics hardware to the UAE increased from $227 million in 2007-08 to $466 million in the year 2008-09, registering a growth of 105 per cent.
Exports of software and services registered a growth of 234 per cent during the year 2008-09 over the preceding year.
In value terms, export of software and services increased from $195 million in 2007-08 to $652 million in the year 2008-09.
India exported its products to 221 countries compared to 208 during 2007-08. The global production of electronics, computer software and services during the year 2008-09 is put at around $2,640 billion.
Middle East countries have emerged as third top destination for India's software and services exports to $1.49 billion, a growth of 161 per cent compared to $569 million in 2007-2008.
Exports of electronics hardware to the Middle East registered a growth of 145 per cent to $1 billion up from $411 million in 2007-08.
10 Indian firms in Abu Dhabi Internet Show
Around 10 Indian companies are expected to take part in the Internet Show to be held in Abu Dhabi on September 21-22 this year.
"Internet technology is becoming increasingly important for all business It has made a serious impact in the business world. Apart from that, UAE is now being recognised as Middle East's ICT Hub and the sector has shown rapid development in the past few years," said Kamal Vachani, Regional Director of ESC for the Middle East.
The Abu Dhabi event will hold 72 seminars in the latest technology and hottest business solutions in digital marketing and advertising; Web 2.0 and social networking; e-commerce and payments; content management and streaming; hosting and Infrastructure.
— N.K.C.
