Despite economic slowdown, exports of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) industry in Gujarat is likely to increase in the fiscal 2008-09. The total ICT industry exports from the state is estimated to touch Rs. 1,000 crore mark from Rs. 750 crore last fiscal.
Ruling out any adverse impact of ongoing global turmoil on the export performance of ICT industry in Gujarat, Nirav Shah, President, Gujarat Electronics and Software Industries Association (GESIA), said, "We expect the exports by ICT players in the state is likely to surge to Rs 1,000 crore in 2008-09".
Gujarat's ICT industry is largely driven by small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and the export orders which they get are also from small players in the international market.
"The slowdown has not impacted this segment substantially. Apart from this, appreciation in the value of dollar against rupee has also benefited the players in the industry. Exports contributes around 50 per cent of the total turnover of the industry ", he added.
However, the ICT industry is feeling the pinch of recession on domestic front. "Domestic sales have been impacted due to ongoing crisis. As a result, margins have squeezed by nearly 5 to 10 per cent", he said while announcing the second edition of "GESIA Awards" for excellence in ICT industry.
Last year, the apex body had received 58 to 59 entries and it is expecting the number to grow this year. The awards will be announced by the end of this month or early next month. The last date of forms submission is 9 February 2009.
In addition to awards, GESIA is also working on providing ranking to the companies operating in ICT industry and it will come up with the rankings in April this year. "The ranking will act as reference to other players seeking business with ICT industry", he said.
