Exports from STPI to grow over 30%, Haldia STP to come up soon

Kolkata, Dec 10 (UNI) Exports from the Software Technology Parks of India (STPI) is set to grow by 30 per cent this fiscal over last year's Rs 100,809 crore.

Speaking to UNI today, STPI Director General S N Zindal said, " Exports from Bengal are expected to go up from Rs 2,500 crore in 2005-06 to Rs 3,500 crore in 2006-07." Bengal ranks eighth in terms of export from STP units, which currently comprises 2.5 per cent of the nation's export. The state, though a late starter, was picking up fast, Zindal said.

Exports from Karnataka has been pegged at Rs 37,000 crore, a growth of 34 per cent from 26,700 crore in 2004-05. Exports from Maharashtra and Tamilnadu wre Rs 15,000 crore and Rs 13,960 crore respectively.

The Software Technology Park at Haldia will become operational within next two months. The facility will house 20 units. Expression Of Interest (EOI) has been invited and EOIs are coming from various parts of the country. Two units have already started operations, he said.

The state government has provided three plots for the complex and sponsored a part of the built-up space in STP, Haldia. While the STPI has provided Rs 4 crore for this park.

Besides the STP at Haldia, Bengal has three more STPs on the anvil--Durgapur, Kharagpur and Siliguri.

UNI JYN PC RD 1056