The Hindu : Front Page : IT majors to take part in `Connect Madurai'

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Thursday, Nov 30, 2006
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IT majors to take part in `Connect Madurai'

Special Correspondent

MADURAI : Over 15 information technology companies are to participate in `Connect Madurai,' an IT and IT-enabled services meet, organised by the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), in association with the State Government, here on December 1.

Addressing media persons here on Tuesday, T. Kannan, past chairman, CII, Southern Region, said that the event would provide an opportunity for IT majors to explore Madurai and southern districts.

An estimated 6000 students graduating from engineering colleges in south Tamil Nadu went elsewhere on employment and there was a need to create job opportunities for them nearer home.

Mr. Kannan was of the view that even the IT companies would find it a worthwhile proposition to start new ventures in tier II cities like Madurai where it was cheaper to operate than in any metro.

The cost of living and operational costs were 15 to 20 per cent lower than in bigger cities, he pointed out.

The event, he said, would be organised as part of the three-day Southern Prosperity through Enhanced Economic Development (SPEED) 2006 at Tamukkam.

R. Dinesh, co-chairman, SPEED 2006, said that `Connect Madurai,' an event organised in the State for the second time after the one held in Chennai, would showcase south Tamil Nadu as an Indian destination for IT majors.

The CEOs of leading IT companies were expected to take part in the programme in which focus would be on IT and IT-enabled services. Students from schools and colleges from the southern districts had been invited to participate in the event.

Ligi George, chairman, CII, Madurai zone, said SPEED 2006 would also focus on development of tourism.

The Madurai Travel Mart, organised as part of SPEED 2006, would have a `model village' in which 25 artisans would exhibit their skills.

A food fiesta, `Ruchi Food Festival,' would be an event in which leading hotels of the city would supply food at nominal cost.

He said that over 2000 foreigners visited Madurai as medical tourists last year and SPEED 2006 would project the south as an ideal destination for medical tourism.

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