'Software exports from Chandigarh to touch Rs11 bn'

CHANDIGARH: Software 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.