AP most favoured IT destination: YSR

Visakhapatnam, May 12 (UNI) Registering a phenominal growth of 51 per cent last year in IT industry, Andhra Pradesh has become the most favoured destination of world IT industries, Chief Minister Y S Rajasekhara Reddy said here today.

The state government would build an international airport at Anakapalli near Visakhapatnam, which was growing at a tremendous pace industrially and attracting major IT giants, he said while laying the foundation stone for IT giant Wipro's second development centre in the state after Hyderabad here.

Dr Reddy expressed confidence that with the industry friendly schemes of the state government, the boom being witnessed in IT sector would continue.

The growth of 51 per cent in the state was much higher compared to the country's average of 36 per cent. Around 5,000 additional jobs would be created in Visakhapatnam alone with the growth of IT industries in the district this year. The port city was being preferred as an alternative Tier-II IT location in view of its strategic location, he said.

It not only offered cost advantage in terms of physical infrastructure, hiring of human resources and social costs, but also provided a safe place and secure working environment for the IT majors in the country.

Dr Reddy said during the last ten years around 85,000 jobs were created in the state while in the last two years during the Congress rule, 65,000 jobs were provided in the IT sector which showcased the state's commitment towards development of IT sector. The state had recorded an impressive Rs 12,500 crore export in the IT sector this year.

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