IT exports from Kerala’s Infopark registered a growth of 53 per cent in revenues at Rs 2,350 crore during 2013-14 as against last year.
Unveiling the logo of Infopark’s 10th anniversary celebrations here today, industries minister PK Kunhalikutty said Kochi had become one of the most sought-after destinations for global IT companies since the establishment of the facility in 2004.
Export revenues from Infopark have been increasing steadily from Rs 750 crore in 2010-11 to Rs 1,095 crore in 2011-12 and Rs 1,534 crore in 2012-13.
“The government will support launch of private integrated hi-tech and IT parks in Kerala and soon draft a package of support measures, including single-window clearance system, for private players coming forward to set up IT parks in the state. However, these parks will have to generate a certain number employment opportunities to avail themselves of the benefits,” he said.
Infopark CEO Hrishikesh Nair said the growth rate had 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, export would multiply in the coming years, he added.
The US continued to be the top IT export destination for the companies, followed by South Africa, the UK, Australia, Singapore and Germany. Also, there has been a notable growth in exports to Canada and Japan.
Since its inception, Infopark has created over three million square-feet of work space and intends to double this to six million square-feet over the next couple of years. The park also expects to generateover 10,000 additional jobs during the financial year 2015-16.
The work for the second phase of Infopark is progressing well anda number of global IT firms have come up with proposals to set up their campusat the Rs 2,500 crore second phase project, which is expected to be completedby 2020.
More than 200 companies are currently operating at Infopark. Apartfrom the Kochi hub, Infopark has 3 satellite locations - Kaloor, Thrissurand Cherthala, together holding over 23, 000 employees.