There is an urgent need for a few big IT companies such as Wipro to start operations in Visakhapatnam and play the anchor role to trigger growth of the industry. Only a hundred or so small IT companies are in the field now with a total export of over Rs 1,000 crore or so, according to experts in the field.
They expressed the opinion at a CEO mentoring clinic organised here on Friday by the Vizagpatam Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI), in collaboration with DHL, Dare and the Credit Guarantee Fund Trust for Micro and Small Industries.
VCCI President, K. Ramabrahmam, in his welcome address said the chamber set up in 1931, has been playing a key role in promoting entrepreneurship in the port town and stimulating economic growth and it would continue to do so. The present phase, he said, was critical to the growth of Visakhapatnam, as the city was set to join the big league.
Visakhapatnam IT Association President, Peter Schneeberger, said some headway had been made in the IT sector the past decade, but it was clearly not enough. “I am sure the next decade will be ours, but we need a few big IT companies to play the anchor role and they would have to impart the necessary momentum,” he said.
Ravi Easwarapu of Pinafore Tech. Solutions, said there are many IT professionals from Visakhapatnam including himself and it should not be difficult to woo them back to the city, once Visakhapatnam becomes established as an attractive IT destination. “But for that to happen, a lot of ground has to be covered yet. So far we are relying on low cost of operations alone, but there should be other advantages to attract the IT companies,” he said.
Denzil George of DHL said the company’s presence used to be limited to a few metros earlier, but after it had acquired Blue Dart courier company, its presence could be felt in all major cities and towns in the country. It would always strive to help the small and micro industries as it would be mutually beneficial.