IT, Auto industry registers moderate growth in Pondy:Survey

Puducherry, Dec 12 (UNI) Puducherry Information Technology and Auto industry has registered a moderate growth during April-September as per the bi-annual industry monitor survey of the five southern states conducted by the Confederation of Indian Industry (Southern Region).

According to a CII release here today, the objective of the survey was to analyise the performance of top five sectors in each states during the first half (April-September) of the financial year 2007-08 and to provide an outlook for the second half.

The automotive and auto components industry, one of the core sectors of Puducherry's economy, registered a moderate growth during the first half when compared to October to March 2007. The production had increased by 5 to 10 per cent and sale by 7 per cent.

As the value of production surged by 5 per cent, the industry was expecting a fairly impressive growth during October 2007 to March 2008.

Concerned over lack of trained, skilled and quality manpower and availability of land for industrial units, the Industry wanted the government to ensure that there was no delay in issuing procedural clearence in terms of pollution control to new units.

The performance of information technology sector here during April-September 2007 reflected mixed trends, the release said adding the revenue had gone up by 5 to 10 per cent during the period.

The IT sector is expected to perform well during October 2007 to March 2008.

The tourism industry witnessed a moderate growth during the same period with a 5 per cent growth in tourists inflow. The indutry's revenue had gone up by 5 per cent during the period.

Puducherry tourism industry is expected to record a significant growth during October 2007-March 2008. There would be a 20-25 per cent growth in the flow of tourists, 15-20 per cent increase in revenue and 25 to 30 per cent increase in occupancy rate. However, lack of budget hotels and availability of trained manpower are some of the concerns of the industry and it suggests proactive promotional measures to encourage tourists stay for longer periods.

The food processing industry here, which is one of attractive destinations in the southern region for agro-food processing, floriculture and cultivation of medical and aromatic plants improved its performance marginally during the period. This sector's production, capacity utilisation and sales increased by 5 per cent.

The performance of food processing industry during October 2007 to March 2008 is expected to remain at the same level as that of April to September 2007 in all parameters.

The chemical industry here witnessed an increase in sales and level of capacity utilisation by 10-15 per cent during April-September this year. The chemical industries here is expected to register a moderate growth during October 2007 to March 2008. The sales revenue expected to grow by 10 per cent and the capacity utilisation levels by 10-15 per cent, the release added.

UNI