India to showcase BPO benefits

The government of India is working on a strategy to reduce the importance of US in Indian software exports and explore opportunities to invest in the US market.

According to official sources, one of the main reasons for the backlash against outsourcing to India is the loss of jobs in the US.

The government is of the view that these job losses can be compensated by setting up development centres and investing in the US market.

The government also thinks that Indian software companies must diversify into other markets and reduce its over dependence on the US. India now exports more than 60 per cent of its software services to the US.

"The over dependence on the US market puts a huge pressure on Indian companies. Indian companies should look at other markets, like East Asia and Africa," said a senior government official.

The government is also planning an extensive publicity campaign and a public relations exercise in the US. A campaign is being worked out to sensitise the US media on the positive aspects of outsourcing to India and how outsourcing has helped the local industry to increase competitiveness.

The government is of the view that a public relations exercise needs to be undertaken in coordination with industry associations to address concerns of the industry.

The government will also use its foreign offices to mobilise support to stop any outsourcing law being enacted which may impact the country's software exports.

Industry associations would also be engaged to initiate public relation efforts for putting forth its view to the policy makers in the respective countries.

The government also wants to engage with the multinational companies, who already outsource to India, in creating pressure on the local government to view the positives of outsourcing to India.

To prevent any move against outsourcing, the government is also constantly monitoring the status of the various regulations and legislation planned by various countries.

It is also monitoring the result of the various efforts by the industry associations and lobbying groups in this regard.