US economy 'slowdown' no effect on IT industry: Karnik

Bangalore, Dec 12 (UNI) The 'slowdown' of US economy has not affected Indian IT industry which is expected to meet an export target of over 60 billion US Dollar by 2010, National Association of Software and Service Companies (NASSCOM) President Kiran Karnik said today.

Talking to newspersons on the sidelines of two-day IT Women Leadership Summit-2007 here, he said divergent views were being expressed on the US economy slowdown and its impact on IT industry.

''While some feel it will boost the Indian economy, a few have expressed reservation. We are keenly tracking the events taking shape in the US market,'' he added.

Expressing concern over the rupee appreciation and its effect on export scenario, Mr Karnik said the Centre should do something to tide over from it.

''This year the surge of rupee has not been as fast as it was seen last year, gaining over 15 per cent against the dollar,'' he said.

On the issue of STPI scheme which would end next year, Mr Karnik said NASSCOM would raise the issue when it meets Union Finance Minister P Chidambaram in connection with Budget proposals for next fiscal.

''While industry can do what it can do, there are many issues which should be addressed by the government,'' he said.

Stating other countries were offering huge incentives to IT industries to boost employment and export, he said India could not ignore this fact.

UNI