The Hindu Business Line : Strong ESC presence at Dubai Gitex fair

FOLLOWING a 46-per cent rise in exports of electronics and software to the UAE in the 2003-2004 fiscal, the Electronics and Computer Software Export Promotion Council, ESC, is looking to establish a niche market in the Gulf and West Asia , according to a senior ESC official.

Mr D.P. Gupta, Additional Executive Director, ESC, who is in Dubai to oversee ESC's participation in Gitex, which opened in Dubai on Sunday, told Business Line that the councilmembers were looking seriously at expanding their presence in this region.

Forty Indian electronics and IT companies are participating in Gitex. Besides, there was independent participation by firms from Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu and Kerala, he said.

The big ESC presence at Gitex was aimed at tapping the exposure we can get at the premier regional IT event, Mr Gupta said.

Mr Kamal Vachani, Regional Director, ESC, said the UAE is the top destination for India's Electronics and IT exports in this region.

During 2003-04, export of electronics goods to the UAE was estimated to be $100 million registering a growth of 72 per cent over the year 2002-03.

In total, export of electronics and software to the UAE during 2003-04 are to the tune of $149 million up from $102 million estimated in the year 2002-03 registering a growth of 46 per cent.