Telecom exports vault by 45 pc in 2005-06

New Delhi, Sept 24: Export of telecom equipment and cables from India jumped by 44.89 per cent (in dollar terms) in 2005-06 over the previous year, Electronics and Computer Software Export Promotion Council (ESC) says.

''We are upbeat about the growth in exports of telecom equipment and cables since this sector can be a key driver in enhancing the electronics hardware exports from the country,'' says ESC Executive Director D K Sareen.

''Significantly, world trade in electronics hardware exports, particularly the telecom equipment and accessories, are set to increase several fold and India, with its natural advantage and the focus on technology led growth, can capitalise on the expanding trade.'' In absolute terms, ESC estimates say that the export of telecom equipment and cables has increased from Rs 350 crore in 2004-05 to Rs 500 crore, which, in fact, overshot the target of about 45 per cent set by the ESC.

Mr Sareen said the estimated export performance of electronics hardware during 2005-06 was impressive as compared to the previous year riding mainly on the performance of three segments viz consumer electronics, instruments/OE/ME and of course, telecom equipments/cables.

*The overall estimated export growth in electronics hardware was 22.02 per cent in 2005-06 over the previous year.

In absolute terms, total export was Rs 9,625 crore in 2005-06 as against Rs 8,000 crore in the previous year.

ESC is hopeful of maintaining the tempo in export growth against the backdrop of concerted effort by the government and industry to give a critical push to this segment, says Mr Sareen.

According to ESC's estimates, export of consumer electronics is estimated to have grown up by 76.39 per cent in 2005-06 as compared to the previous year.

In absolute terms, the export was Rs 2,000 crore in 2005-06 as against Rs 1,150 crore in the previous year.

The other segment, which has shown impressive growth is export of instruments/OE/ME. It has registered a growth of 55.52 per cent (53.33 per cent in rupee terms) in 2005-06 over the previous year.

In absolute terms the estimated exports of Instruments/OE/ME has increased to Rs 2,300 crore in 2005-06.

UNI