SOFTWARE EXPORTS FROM CHANDIGARH TO TOUCH RS11 BILLION

Chandigarh
The Economic TimesSoftware and services exports from Chandigarh and its surrounding towns of Panchkula and Mohali are expected to grow by 32 percent in 2008-09 fiscal, according to the Software Technology Parks of India.

"In 2008-09, we have projected combined software exports of Rs.11 billion ($262 million) with Rs.9 billion from STPI units and Rs.2 billion from special economic zones (SEZs)," STPI joint director Ajay Srivastava said.

"In 2007-08, the software and service industry in the region has seen a robust growth and its total value has reached Rs.8.22 billion compared to Rs.5.61 billion during 2006-07," Srivastava said.

STPI is a society set up by the central government to encourage and boost the software exports from the country.

The IT and IT-enabled service (ITES) units have increased from 145 in 2002-03 to 253 in 2007-08 and are expected to cross 300 by the end of this fiscal. According to the STPI, the total exports would cross Rs.15 billion by 2009-10. The software industry in the region has given direct employment to nearly 10,000 professionals, Srivastava said.