Hyderabad, July 03: The state of Andhra Pradesh (AP) recorded a steady growth in IT exports from Software Technology Parks of India (STPI) and Special Economic Zones (SEZs) at Rs 32,509 crore, a 24.5 per cent increase over last year and much above the tentative national average of 20.65 per cent.
Interestingly, the scam-hit Satyam Computer Services Ltd., now rebranded as Mahindra Satyam, continues to be the top performer with Rs 4,231 crore worth software exports registering a 27 per cent increase over the previous year.
“The information furnished by the management as of March, 2009 and the figures are likely to change after the accounts are re-audited by December, 2009,’’ said P Venugopal, Director STPI – Hyderabad and DC SEZ (IT/ITES), AP.
Last year, exports from STPI units stood at Rs 26,122 crore. Of the total exports in 2009, IT services comprise 50 per cent, while BPOs contributed 26 per cent and the remaining was from enterprise application and others.
“The growth is higher than the national average and exports from the State contribute about 15 per cent to the country’s overall software exports,’’ Venugopal said.
Incidentally, AP has the largest number of IT/ITES SEZs, with 59 out of the total 350 formally approved units located in the State. Similarly, of the 172 notified SEZs, 39 are set up within the State.
These SEZs together have projected direct employment generation of upto three lakh over the next five years and are likely to infuse investments worth Rs 16,069.17 crore. Of the 59 approved IT SEZs, 12 are already functional.
Meanwhile, about 69 new IT and IT ES companies have registered as STP units while 22 companis registered under the SEZ scheme this year including Net- Pixel Software Solutions, Patni Computer Systems, NXP Semiconductors India Pvt Ltd., and HTC Global Services India Pvt. Ltd.
While 52 existing companies expanded operations, 9 foreign firms have set shop in the state. It is estimated that these new firms will bring in investments of up to Rs 510 crore including Rs 12.74 crore from foreign companies.
Other cities such as Warangal, Visakhapatnam, Kakinada, Vijayawada and Tirupati have been identified as IT hubs in the State. “Locations such as Tirupati are projected as optional offshore destinations to companies considering their proximity to Bangalore and Chennai,’’ Venugopal said. Direct employment potential increased to 2.5 lakh in 2008-09 compared to 2.3 lakh last year.
–Agencies–