IT exports from Kerala touch Rs 2,350 crore

IT exports from Kerala's Infopark continued to register robust growth in 2013-14 with revenues rising 53 per cent year-on-year to Rs 2,350 crore, State Industries and IT minister P K Kunhalikutty said today.
Unveiling the logo of Infopark's 10th anniversary celebrations here, the Minister said Kochi has become one of the most sought after destinations for global IT companies since the establishment of the facility in 2004.
Export revenues from Infopark have been increasing steadily from Rs 750 crore in 2010-11, Rs 1,095 crore in 2011-12, Rs 1,534 crore in 2012-13 to Rs 2,350 crore now, in a sign of the growing strength of Kerala's IT sector.

"The government will support launch of private integrated Hitech and IT parks in Kerala and soon draft a package of support measures, including a single window clearance system, for private players coming forward to set up IT parks in the state," the Minister said. However, the parks will have to generate a certain number of employment opportunities to avail these benefits, he added.
Benny Behanan, MLA, said the development of basic infrastructure facilities in the surrounding areas will go hand in hand with the growth of Infopark. The extension of Kochi Metro Project to the park is expected to give a huge boost to the industry.

"The result is in line with Infopark's expectations and it signals sunny days ahead for Kerala's IT industry. The growth rate has accelerated from 38 per cent in 2011-12 to 43 per cent in 2012-13. With more projects nearing completion in Phase I and more companies coming forward to invest in Phase II, we expect the exports to multiply in the coming years," said Infopark Chief Executive Officer Hrishikesh Nair.

The United States continued to be the top IT export destination for the companies, followed by South Africa, the United Kingdom, Australia, Singapore and Germany. Also, there has been a notable growth in exports to Canada and Japan.

Since its inception in 2004, Infopark has created over three million square-feet of work space and intends to double this over the next couple of years.It also expects to generate over 10,000 additional jobs during the financial year 2015-16.
Work for the second phase of Infopark is progressing well and a number of global IT firms have come up with proposals to set up their campus at the Rs 2,500 crore second phase project, which is expected to be completed by 2020.
More than 200 firms are currently operating at Infopark. Besides the Kochi hub, Infopark has 3 satellite locations -Kaloor, Thrissur and Cherthala, together holding over 23,000 employees.