Software exporters target $ 1b revenue by 2012

The Software Exporters' Association (SEA) plans to develop the software export market and increase revenue from US$ 75 million in 2004 to US$ 1 billion by 2012.

To achieve this target the SEA is committed to improve quality, innovation and enhance capacity, said Chairman SEA, Jayantha de Silva.

Addressing a software exporters' forum recently de Silva said the objectives of the association are to foster and nurture innovation, raise funds for marketing programs and lobby for export incentives.

The SEA aims to develop the infrastructure and establish support facilities, increase local and international visibility, help government buy-in of the local industry and increase software exports, he said.

The association was formed in 1999 to promote software and IT services of Sri Lanka in overseas markets. The mission of SEA is to make Sri Lanka a leading software exporting country.

The association has an active membership of 40 companies and is considered as the representative authority for software exporting companies in the island.

Millennium Information Technologies CEO, Tony Weerasinghe said IT is no more a back office that supports businesses but rather a force that determines corporate success. IT is a vital component that makes businesses to grow to full stature.

IT in Sri Lanka has not been impressive to make a name. Though there is a market for software products we have not exploited it adequately.

Technically, products are sound but not business oriented to capture international markets, Weerasinghe said.

LF