IT exports from Bengal might touch Rs 3,500 cr in 2006-07:Das

Kolkata, Apr 3(UNI) IT exports from West Bengal is likely to touch Rs 3,500 crore at the end of 2006-07, registering a growth of 40 per cent.

Speaking on the sidelines of a press conference organised by Rudra Techgnology here today, state IT Minister Dr Debesh Das said, ''IT exports from the state would have to grow at more than 100 per cent if Bengal wants to achieve its target of becoming an IT powerhouse by 2010.'' ''We are yet to finalise the export figures of the fiscal that ended on March 31. However, from rough estimates the IT related exports from Kolkata's Software Technology Park (STP) units will touch Rs 3,500 crore compared to Rs 2500 crore last year.'' Exports from Kolkata STP had climbed 43 per cent during the first nine months of the current fiscal to Rs 2,182 crore. Dr Das said Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), IBM Services and Cognizant Technology Solutions were the leading exporters, with the combined exports of this trio accounting for slightly over 74 per cent of the total exports from the local STP during April-December 2006.

Discussing other developments in the IT sector, Mr Das said the state would soon have an advanced IT Park specially dedicated for VLSI and chip related design firms. ''We aim to put up a VLSI facility on 100 acres of land at Kharagpur,'' he said.

''Kolkata will soon have the country's first research centre for fourth generation network technology. To be set up by a Danish outfit, the Centre will conduct high-end research on wireless technology,'' he said.

The Wireless Innovation Platform Labs (WIP) of Denmark will set up their centre in association with Danish telecom companies and the Danish government. Aalborg University of Denmark too would be a partner in the project.

The total investment for the project would be around Rs 50 to 60 crore. The centre would develop applications and technology in the 4G environment, like access technology, cognitive radio and wireless security.

UNI