2 million sq ft of built-up SEZ space for small IT firms

Small scale IT companies, who look to set up shop in Kerala, but are unable to develop their own campuses would be provided with close to 2 million sq ft of built up Special Economic Zone (SEZ) space by the Kerala government.

Inaugurating the India IT Summit that got underway at Kovalam today, Kerala Chief Minister V S Achuthanandan said that the state government would consider favorably the needs of smaller IT firms who do not benefit from the SEZ scheme.

Dwelling upon the policies initiated by the Kerala government with regard to IT development, the Chief Minister added that the state is currently in the process of  developing IT parks similar to the Technopark at as many as 10 locations in the state. These locations, which are being developed in the hub and spoke format, would ensure that companies operating from Kerala would get to enjoy a cost advantage in the longer term, he said.

The Kerala government is pumping in nearly Rs 2000 crore for development of infrastructure at these new parks during 2009-10 and 2010-11. Calling upon the investors to look at Kerala as a potential area, he said the technology parks in the state would offer capital investment opportunities to the tune of nearly US$5 billion.

He also said IT companies in Kerala have witnessed growth in IT exports which are nearly two and a half times the national average during the past three years.  The Chief Minister also released KPMG’s study on Changing Landscape of IT- ITeS Outsourcing at the inaugural session.

The two-day India IT Summit got off to a colorful start at Kovalam today. Deliberations over the two days would focus on the development of global IT and India’s role in the changing scenario