Bangalore IT exports zoom

Software exports up 46 per cent in 2003-04; Nokia's OEM to set up shop

Bangalore, the fourth-largest technology hub in the world, is continuing to lead from the front in software exports.

Software exports from Bangalore registered a 46 per cent growth to touch Rs 18,100 crore during 2003-04, against Rs 12,350 crore in 2002-03.

Software exports from Bangalore constitute around 36 per cent of the total Software Technology Parks of India exports during 2003-04.

In addition to the strong software exports, the Electronic Hardware Technology Park (EHTP) companies have achieved a 21 per cent growth to touch Rs 1,700 crore. It is also likely that an original equipment manufacturer (OEM) for Nokia handsets is expected to set up shop in Bangalore.

In addition to software exports, Bangalore is fast catching up in the BPO/ITES space and this segment has registered a 126 per cent growth to touch Rs 2,237 crore for 2003-04 from Rs 988 crore during 2002-03.

STPI - Bangalore Director B V Naidu said: "In the present dynamics of the global economy, many of the corporates world-wide are looking at outsourcing in India as part of their strategy to maintain their competitive position and increase their profits.

In spite of the slowdown of the global economy and as well as pressures on the billing rates, Karnataka software exports have shown solid growth, and this growth rate is highest during the past three years."

Giving further details about 2003-04 performance Naidu said: "About 110 companies with 100 per cent foreign equity are registered with an investment of around Rs 1,970 crore, which is significantly higher than last year. Around 168 software exporting companies and 5 new electronic hardware exporting companies registered with STPI during 2003-04."

While Bangalore has maintained its lead, other cities like Mysore, Mangalore, Manipal in Karnataka are also showing appreciable growth.

The incubation facilities and decentralised datacom and statutory services through STPI centres in these cities have helped the industries to show an export growth of 177 per cent in Mysore and 38 per cent from Mangalore and Manipal.

Leading the pack

• Software exports from Bangalore constitute around 36 per cent of the total Software Technology Parks of India exports during 2003-04
• Bangalore is fast catching up in the BPO/ITES space and this segment has registered a 126 per cent growth to touch Rs 2,237 crore
• Other cities in Karnataka like Mysore, Mangalore and Manipal are also showing appreciable growth