Infopark's IT exports climb 53% in FY14

KOCHI: In a significant sign of the growing strength of Kerala's IT sector, Kochi-based Infopark saw a 53% year-on-year rise in its IT exports at Rs 2,350 crore during the fiscal 2014, said P K Kunhalikutty, state minister for Industries and IT, on Thursday in Kochi.
The minister also unveiled the logo for Infopark's 10th anniversary celebrations in Kochi.
Infopark's export revenue has seen a steady increase from Rs 750 crore in 2010-11, Rs 1,095 crore in 2011-12 and Rs 1,534 crore in 2012-13.
"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% in 2011-12 to 43% in 2012-13," said Infopark CEO ShriHrishikesh Nair.
The US continued to be the top IT export destination for the companies, followed by South Africa, the UK, Australia, Singapore and Germany. In addtiion, there has been a notable growth in exports to Canada and Japan.
"The government will support the launch of private integrated hi-tech 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," Kunhalikutty said. "However, these parks will have to generate a certain number employment opportunities to avail these benefits," he noted.
Development of Infopark's second phase project is progressing now, and several global IT firms have come up with proposals to set up their campus in the second phase, which is expected to be completed by 2020. The park also expects to generate over 10,000 additional jobs during the financial year 2015-16.
"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," ShriHrishikesh added.