Wipro plans to foray into the SAARC

Wipro Infotech, the IT arm of New York stock exchange listed Wipro Ltd, is planning to expand into Sri Lanka and Bangladesh to tap the growing telecom and banking market by leveraging on its expertise in system integration and IT managed services.

"We have already started (in the direction of expanding into these two countries). We have identified segments that we want to get into," said K S Viswanathan, Wipro Infotech Vice President (strategic sales)

Foraying into these two SAARC (South Asian Association for Regional Coopration) countries is of immediate priority for Wipro Infotech as it believes there are huge opportunities that can be addressed, he said.

The company, which would target telecom companies and banking firms in these two countries, also has its eyes set on Pakistan, where it would enter after trade restrictions are eased, he said, speaking on the sidelines of the "Wipro leading edge" technology summit.

"After Bangladesh and Sri Lanka, as we move forward. When trade restriction eases with Pakistan. It's a huge opportunity for us," Viswanathan said.

At the same time, Wipro Infotech, whose 15 per cent of revenues currently comes from outside India, is stepping up efforts to make strides in other markets of Asia Pacific region as well.

Wipro Infotech's chief executive, professional services, Thandava Murthy said the company had established a near-shore centre in Dubai to cater to the middle east market.

Wipro Infotech is also increasingly focussing on the services in the Indian market, as this segment had grown to contribute 25 per cent to overall Wipro Infotech revenues, Viswanathan said, adding "Indian customers are seeking more and more services".

Wipro Infotech expects its products-services mix to become 50:50 by 2007, he said.

Wipro Infotech, which recorded revenue growth of 25 per cent and profit before interest and tax growth of 61 per cent in the first quarter of 2005-06, is focusing more on services. The leading edge technology, the three-day event which focused on leveraging technologies for business benefits for corporates, at this tech city was part of Wipro's strategy to increase its foothold in the Asia Pacific region.