US county looks for IT investors

Even as the American presidential elections is about to conclude, Fulton County of Georgia state is in discussion with two Bangalore-based software firms to help them set up shop back home.

Having decided in the nick of time to participate in this year's Bangalore IT.Com 2004, the Fulton County is showcasing its strengths and advantages to promote itself as a premier destination for Indian IT and biotech firms.

"We are already in discussions with two Bangalore-based software firms, which have shown interest in setting shop in our county. We provide a host of tax incentives and pro-business environment with world class infrastructure and connectivity," Fulton County commissioner Robb Pitts said.

Pitts did not reveal the name of the companies that are in discussion.

Impressed by the growth of the IT sector in Bangalore, Fulton has also decided to open a representative office in the city next week. This is being done to promote investments by potential Indian firms.

"We are here primarily to tell the Indian business groups in the high-tech and manufacturing sectors about the cost benefits of locating their operations in our County over other states in the US. Our representative office in Bangalore will identify companies looking for partnerships or joint ventures with their counterparts in Fulton across vertical sectors," Pitts said.

The economic development department of Fulton is interested in attracting investments from India in four technology areas such as nano-technology, life sciences (biomedicine), telecommunications and information.

Fortune 500 firms like Coca Cola, CNN, Delta Airlines, United Parcel Service and Rubbermaid are located in Fulton County.

Fulton is one of the 10 cities in the Georgia state and is home to nearly 50,000 Indian professionals.

About 150 Indian firms operate in the County, which spans different sectors like IT, biotech, healthcare and real estate. These companies generated a combined revenue of $100 million last year.