Indian IT companies expect to sign deals worth about $20 million during IT fair Gitex 2008, as 36 firms showcase their capabilities in hardware, software, services and infrastructure, a media report has said.
The deals closed last year during the same event were worth $10 million.
An official of Electronics and Computer Software Export Promotion Council (ESC), an autonomous body under the Ministry of Communications and IT, Government of India, told the Gulf News that Indian IT exports are growing at more than 30 per cent annually and are expected to touch $100 billion by 2012.
"ESC has been encouraging Indian IT companies, particularly small and medium enterprises [SMEs], to participate at Gitex by offering special packages since Middle East markets hold tremendous potential for Indian companies," said Kamal Vachani, regional director of ESC for the West Asia.
IT exports from India to the West Asia, particularly to the UAE, have increased substantially in recent years, he said.
"India's IT exports to the West Asia have reached $980 million in 2007-08 and the region continues to maintain its fifth-place standing with respect to exports of electronics, computer software and services from India."
The region was fast emerging as an important export market for the Indian IT industry predominantly because of the booming UAE market and its business-friendly atmosphere, he said.