PTI

Chandigarh: Software and services exports from Chandigarh region are expected to grow by 32% to Rs1,100 crore with STPI units contributing Rs 900 crore and special economic zones adding Rs 200 crore in 2008-09, Software Technology Parks of India has said.

In 2007-08, the software and service industry in the region touched Rs 822.27 crore exports, against Rs 560.76 crore in 2006-07, STPI Joint Director Ajay Srivastava said.

Apart from earning precious foreign exchange, software industry in the region has also given direct employment to 10,000 professionals.

The region attracted many new start ups and the number of IT/ITeS units had increased from 145 in 2002-03 to 253 in 2007-08, and is expected to cross 300 by the end of 2008-09.

STPI estimates 25 new units to come up in the market taking total exports to over Rs1,500 crores by 2009-10.

STPI would honour the top performing IT/ITES companies at an award function on August 7.

The upcoming mega IT event e-Revolution 2008 will bring together the best brains from around the country to interact with local talent, as a part of the evolution of Chandigarh Capital Region as the major destination for ICT industry.