Sharjah to establish technology centre in Kerala

Dubai:The emirate of Sharjah has signed a deal with Government of Kerala to set up a science and technology innovation centre at Infopark Kochi to provide a platform for small- and medium-sized enterprises to flourish.

The memorandum of understanding (MoU) was signed yesterday between Ahmad Mohammad Al Midfa, Chairman of Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI) and Siddhartha Bhattacharya, CEO, Infopark Kochi.

"Our main objective of setting up the centre is to help the small- and medium-enterprises in Sharjah to help conduct research and development work to bring to market innovative products and services in a cost effective manner," Al Midfa said.

Bhattacharya said: "The initiative will act as a point of lead generation for Sharjah-based firms who want to use Kerala as a technology corridor for gaining a foothold into this large, fast-growing region with investments opportunities spread across products, manufacturing, infrastructure and services."

Ajaykumar, Principal Secretary - Information Technology, Government of Kerala, said: "SCCI will set up a science and technology innovation centre in Kerala in the first quarter of 2010 and they will facilitate companies coming from Sharjah and UAE to do outsourcing opportunities at Infopark and other IT parks. Sharjah Chamber will set up five companies in 2010. They will facilitate to get two government orders in Sharjah for Indian IT companies operating out of Kerala.

"Similarly, we will set up a centre in Sharjah for Kerala IT companies to do business in Sharjah."

Commenting on the deal, Shaikha Lubna Al Qasimi, UAE Minister for Foreign Trade, said: "The MoU will further broaden and enhance economic cooperation with India. India is an excellent partner for growth and the fastest growing economy in the world. India has overtaken US and China to become the largest foreign trade partner and the volume of trade between the countries touched $44.5 billion [Dh163 billion] in 2008-2009."

She said so far we have invested more than Dh18b in India and oncoming projects such as West Bengal project worth Dh661 million and Dh808m into special economic zones. These investments show our commitment to Indian market.

"We have grown 2-3 times the national average, which stood at 18 per cent last year, since inception and a year-on-year growth of 60-70 per cent. We expect to touch $1 billion export turnover in the next 20 months from the current $0.6 billion," Ajay said.

Total build-up area of IT parks in Kerala is put at 1,500 acres of land, of which 300 acres are operational. Around 300 companies are operational right now.

Kerala plans to set up 10 IT parks in the next seven years.