KOCHI: IT exports from Infopark continue to register strong growth in the 2013-14 financial year, with revenues surging 53 per cent year-on-year to Rs 2,350 crore, said P K Kunhalikutty, Minister for Industries and IT.
Unveiling the logo of the 10th anniversary celebrations of the Infopark here on Thursday, the Minister said Kochi had become one of the most sought-after destinations for global IT companies since the establishment of the Infopark in 2004.
Infopark’s export revenues increased sharply to Rs 2,350 crore this financial year from Rs 1,534 crore in 2012-13. In 2011-12, revenues rose to Rs 1,095 crore from Rs 750 crore in 2010-11.
“The government will support the launch of integrated private hi-tech parks and IT parks in Kerala, and will 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,” he said.
“However, the parks will have to generate a certain number employment to avail the benefits,” he added.
Benny Behnan MLA said, “the development of basic infrastructure facilities in the surrounding areas will go hand-in-hand with the growth of the Infopark. The extension of the Metro Rail to the park is expected to give it a huge lift.”
“The financial results are in line with Infopark’s expectations, and they signal sunny days ahead for Kerala’s IT industry. The growth rate has accelerated from 38 per cent in 2011-12 to 43 per cent in 2012-13. With more projects nearing completion in Phase-I, and more companies coming forward to invest in Phase-II, we expect exports to multiply in the coming years,” said Infopark CEO Hrishikesh Nair.
The United States continues to be the top destination for IT exports for companies in the Infopark, followed by South Africa, the United Kingdom, Australia, Singapore and Germany.
Also, there has been a notable growth in exports to Canada and Japan.
Since its inception in 2004, the Infopark has created over three million square-feet of work space. It intends to double the space to six million square-feet over the next couple of years. It also expects to generate over 10,000 additional jobs in the 2015-16 financial year.
The phase-I of the Infopark was developed on 110 acres. The phase-II, being developed on 160 acres, is progressing well, and a number of global IT firms have come up with proposals to set up their campuses in the Rs 2,500-crore phase-II, which is expected to be completed by 2020.
More than 200 companies are currently operating at the Infopark. Apart from the Kochi hub, Infopark has three satellite locations at Kaloor, Thrissur and Cherthala - together employing over 23,000 persons.