In order to tap Information Technology business on foreign shores, the Gujarat Electronics & Software Industries Association (GESIA) — a state-based body of 370 members from the IT sector in Gujarat — is planning to open their chapters in Dubai, Netherlands, Germany and UK in the next two months.
The body is also exploring possible tie-ups with Israel and China. “Today we will be inaugurating our Dubai chapter. This will help GESIA members to start their operations in the Dubai or to scout business opportunities from the region,” said Pankaj Shah, president of the association on Friday.
“This evening we are meeting with James Bryce, Deputy director, UK Trade and Investment. One of our initiatives will be to open a chapter in UK,” said Shah adding that GESIA will be having a presence in Netherlands and Germany in the next two months.
GESIA officials said they were also meeting some Chinese officials on Friday to explore possible tie-ups. A couple of months ago, the association had opened it’s first overseas chapter in Canada.
“We are also meeting an official from Federation of Indo-Israel Chambers of Commerce (FIICC) today. We are expecting to sign a memorandum of understanding with Israel to improve cooperation in the IT sector,” he said adding that the IT entrepreneurs from Gujarat was looking to tap business potential like software development and electronic product development existing in overseas IT destinations.
“We are looking to build brand Gujarat and make the state the most preferred destination in ICT and electronics globally,” Shah claimed during a media interaction.
According to GESIA officials, the IT sector in Gujarat has been growing annually 40 percent (topline), pumping in revenues to the tune of an estimated Rs 2500-3000 crore.
“GESIA will be also be part of the Vibrant Gujarat 2015 delegation that will travelling to different countries before the event. This time, there are two delegations from the IT sector that will be going under the Vibrant Gujarat banner. One will go to Taiwan and South Korea, while another will go to the West Coast, United States,” said Jay Ruparel, senior vice-president of the IT body.
