Kerala software exports touch Rs.12 bn

Thiruvananthapuram, May 8 (IANS) Kerala Chief Minister V.S. Achuthanandan Friday said software exports from the state touched Rs.12 billion for the last fiscal.

It was Rs.7.5 billion for the year 2006-07. During the Congress rule in 2005-06 it was Rs.4.25 billion, Achuthanandan told reporters here.

He said 41 new IT companies have started work in the two IT parks located here and in Kochi.

'During our tenure in the last two years, close to Rs.1,200 crore (Rs.12 billion)-worth new investment has taken place in the IT sector and 3.5 million square feet space has also been added,' he said.