EXL eyes UP for setting up ITeS SEZ

Information technology enabled service (ITeS) companies are among many others in the process of acquiring a special economic zone (SEZ) status in Uttar Pradesh.

Among the front runners is EXL Services, a leading end-to-end business process outsourcing solution provider.

"EXL has plans of starting a world-class EXL ITeS/BPO campus in Noida. For this, it has budgeted for purchasing an SEZ in Noida, spread across 15-25 acres," Rohit Kapoor, chief operating officer (COO) and co-founder, EXL Services, told Business Standard.

"Our plan is to establish a large, state-of-the-art infrastructure," Kapoor said adding that this placement will help in meeting the business requirements of the company.

The company has submitted two applications for acquiring SEZ, one in Hyderabad and the other in Greater Noida. "We have not received any approval and have not been granted any land so far," he added.

Talking about its expansion plan for Uttar Pradesh, Kapoor said EXL has planned a major investment for infrastructure, as it is the core pre-requisite for any BPO business. It also targets to increase its employee strength in the state.

"Given our current rate of growth and our ambitious plans for expansion, in the next 3"�5 years we would triple the number of employees from today. This would generate additional employment opportunities in Noida and its neighbouring regions," he added.

For the records, currently EXL employs about 6000 people out of its Noida facilities. The company is also coming up with its sixth building by early 2008 to accommodate its increased operations.

This is also expected to help in creating wealth and entrepreneurial opportunities in the ancillary industries such as transportation.