Indore now has southeast Asia as competitor

Indore: Southeast Asian countries promising economical resources and manpower have emerged as a competitor for Indore, an emerging hub for information technology (IT) firms. But the city still has an edge over them due to its developed ecosystem with presence of technical institutes and shorter commutes.

Philippines, Vietnam, Indonesia and Ukrain in Europe have gradually developed a platform to host IT firms assuring cost-effective operations with many national and international firms planning facility in the countries, said IT experts.

A United Kingdom-based IT services management company has recently opened an office in Indore with a proposed investment of $1 million. The firm’s chief executive officer said, “We had visited Indore and other countries in order to expand our operations. Philippines was the cheapest of all in terms of resources but we chose Indore looking at the long term plan and growth opportunities.”

IT experts said, shorter commute, well placed infrastructure, better quality of urban life, road transport links, multilingual and multicultural amenities put Indore on top of the list.

Narendra Sen, founder of a data centre in Indore said, “Indore has a lot of untapped potential while international air connectivity and presence of top class management and technical institute makes it a preferred destination for IT firms.”

Industry experts from IT sector said, political stability and better education standards coupled with availability of multilingual manpower also give an edge to Indore.

Amit Pandey running an IT services firm said, “IT service sector is facing competition from local as well as Southeast Asian countries as they are able to afford services at lower rates but availability of manpower and quick adaptation of new technology attracts players to India.”

Madhya Pradesh Industrial Development Corporation (MPIDC), Indore expects around five to six IT firms to come to Indore every year.