IT exports should touch $80 bn by 2010: PM

Nasscom has set an exports target of $60 billion by 2010, but considering the way the economy is growing and exports rising, this target should be met by 2008.

And by 2010, the industry should look at a target of $80 billion, said Prime Minster Manmohan Singh at Nasscom's Leadership forum here today.

Speaking on the human resource problem the industry is facing, he said, "We have a quality and quantity problem. In the short term, we need programmes to top up the skills level of graduating students through finishing schools and finishing programmes which will help resolve the quality problem."

"I expect the Eleventh Plan to address this important issue and provide the necessary resources and approaches for achieving the desired expansion," said the PM. He also stressed this would also require a huge expansion in the Masters and doctoral programmes of Universities.

The PM also pointed out that the sector cannot completely depend on exports and needs to create a sustainable domestic market too. For which he stressed that the government too can play a role in expanding the market.

He also said that technology-based innovations in healthcare, education, agriculture and rural development are essential to lend substance to the country's agenda of inclusive growth.