Chennai: The Indian manufacturing sector had the potential to emerge as the global hub, especially on account of its skilled manpower, advanced technology and software expertise, NASSCOM (National Association of Software and Service Companies) chief Kiran Karnik said on August 26.

"Though the manufacturing sector currently contributes only 16 per cent to the GDP (Gross Domestic Product), it has the wherewithal to emerge as the global hub in the near future," he said while addressing a NASSCOM organised seminar on leveraging IT for the manufacturing sector growth in Chennai.

He said the manufacturing sector presently accounted for just 15 per cent of IT usage in domestic market and added that there was immense potential yet to be tapped.

Karnik said that Indian software exports, including services, were valued at about $ 10 billion in 2002 with a 26 per cent rise expected in 2003.

He said that the seminar was part of a series of interactions, presently being organised by NASSCOM in various centres across the country, with a view to encourage the domestic manufacturing sector to optimise use of IT.

Speakers at the seminar called upon the Indian IT players to involve in a proactive manner in the domestic manufacturing sector.

PTI