The National Association of Software and Service Companies and the Manufacturers' Association in Information Technology have described Kerala as an emerging hub for IT enabled services and one of the best locations for IT investments.

NASSCOM has also announced that it will host the next ITES executive council meeting and a business process outsourcing conclave in Kochi over the next few months.

Kerala is today in a position to become the first Cyber State in the country, NASSCOM president Kiran Karnik said at a session on information technology at the Global Investor Meet.

"Only a state like Kerala that can boast of a hundred per cent computer literate populace, with complete access to computers and most of its employment being generated in the digital space, can earn the label of a Cyber State," Karnik said.

"From tapioca to tourism to technology, from spices to software, Kerala has all the potential for emerging as a significant IT destination in India," the NASSCOM president said.

He extended all possible support to the state to ensure that it becomes the most sought after destination for IT companies investing in India.

Vinnie Mehta, executive director, MAIT, commended the Kerala government's initiatives, like 'Project Akshaya', which will lead to an increase in hardware consumption.

Mehta also urged the Kerala government to generate a talent pool to facilitate research and development and position the state as a hub in this area.

The endorsement from NASSCOM and MAIT comes in the wake of a landmark IT policy that the Congress-led government headed by A K Antony has launched.

Moreover, Kerala offers cheap connectivity to IT companies as the international submarine cable network connecting India to Singapore-Far East-US and Middle East-Europe lands at Kochi.

Global Investor Meet: The Complete Coverage