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ICTA initiates registration of ICT based companies

The ICT Agency of Sri Lanka (ICTA) has taken steps for the registration of companies engaged in the ICT industry.

The registration of these companies is carried out by the Private Sector Development Arm of ICTA. The primary objective is to provide prior knowledge about training programmes, workshops, grant programmes etc. In the past, companies, junior and senior level managers, trainers and entrepreneurs have benefitted through initiatives launched under the Private Sector Development Programmeof ICTA.

A participant in the spiralation programme which looks at cultivating entrepreneurship and creating technology start-ups, shared this thought: “ It was marvelous. I think it's a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. I clearly saw a major change for the better in myself as a result of the programme”. Since the launch of the spiralation initiative, which looks at supporting technology start up companies, 11 start-ups benefited from the programme.

They are now well on their way in expanding their products and services in local and global markets. The continuous engagement ensured that the start-ups remained focused in their business and growth opportunities.” The mentoring and other benefits act as a catalyst” yet another participant in the spiralation programme shared his thought.

In addition to capacity development initiative, ICTA’s Private Sector Development programme carries out many business missions for developing and promoting the local IT/ITES industry in overseas markets.

One such mission held last year was CeBIT Australia 2011.The Sri Lanka delegation comprised 15 companies which included IT product companies, IT services companies, infrastructure services and a BPO. The companies set out with the task of exploring the market potential, creating brand awareness and consequently to find buyers, partners or resellers.

With regard to the mission, one participant company had this to say: “ It was an excellent opportunity to understand the Australian-ICT Market. We managed to get good input towards the potential segments and general market dynamics.”

The ICT Capacity Building programme of ICTA hopes to identify companies from all parts of the island so that the their efforts in nurturing IT/ITES companies can assist the industry which is poised to become a US$ 1 Billion industry by 2016. Companies which are engaged in IT/ITES businesses are welcomed to register at www.icta.lk/icbp to receive information related to ICTA’s Private Sector Development initiatives.