Pune to cross $ 1b mark in software exports

By siliconindia   |   Friday, 02 January 2004, 20:30 IST
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PUNE: The software exports figure of Pune is all set to cross the $ one billion mark this fiscal - the highest ever in the history of this city that reported an export figure of $ 600 million during the previous year. "We have already crossed the Rs 4,200 crore mark and hope to cross the Rs 4,500 crore milestone this year," informed STPI, Pune director Sushil Kumar Gupta. According to him, there are several reasons for the resurgence of Pune emerging as a preferred IT destination. "The industry itself is booming because of the upswing in the US economy and this is being reflected in the city. There has been a pent up demand that is now getting released," he explained, quick to point out that it was not just the cost advantage that was attracting companies to the city but the quality of work. As against the registration of 50 new units last year, Pune this year has seen over 70 new units being registered by December itself. Gupta hoped that the figure would cross the 100 mark by March 2004. P> The Hinjewadi Infotech Park is packed to the hilt. Infosys went in for an acquisition of 110 acres to set up Progeon. IT majors like Wipro, Satyam, Patni, TCS, etc. have set up base in the city. There have been private IT parks such as Magarpatta Cyber City, Marisoft and Kharadi IT Park that have attracted major software companies. For the first time, Pune has been sharing the spotlight with Delhi, Mumbai, Hyderabad and Bangalore. "There has been a phenomenal flow of enquiries in Pune of late," said Mahratta Chamber of Commerce, Industries and Agriculture, (MCCIA) VP Ravi Pandit. He also informed that the chamber is now involved in a new initiative with Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation (MIDC), STPI and private builders to line up an additional 1,000 acres of land in a time span of six to eight months to accommodate new entrants to Pune. "We held a meeting with officials of these bodies two weeks and decided to appeal to builders to release land for IT companies. This is an effort across various companies and organizations. The aim to project the city as a major destination for IT companies," he said. Other initiatives undertaken to promote Pune as the preferred IT destination includes construction of a 1.2 million square feet International Convention Center offering 60,000 sq feet for IT companies alone by MCCIA. Another firm Panchshil Reality is offering space for BPOs in at least five convenient locations across the city. Marisoft, which currently houses PTC and MsourcE, is now in second phase of expansion. MCCIA is in the process of identifying four pockets of land across the city as part of its effort to attract more companies.