In this regard, a memorandum of understanding would soon be signed between the National Association of Software and Services Companies (Nasscom) and visiting delegation of hardware and software manufacturers from Myanmar to forge a closer business relationship between the countries. According to Nasscom's general manager SV Ramachandran, the MoU would help the Indian IT industry to increase its presence in the South Asian countries.

Earlier, in a meeting with Nasscom, representatives from Myanmar's computer industry asked the association to advise them on policy matters for setting up an IT masterplan.

The Myanmar delegation has had similar talks with other industry associations such as the Manufacturer's Association for Information Technology (Mait) and the Confederation ofIndian Industry (CII).According to Myanmar Computer Scientists Association president U Thein Oo, the computer industry in Myanmar is in a fledgling state. The government in a bid to boost investment in IT has asked the industry to present a draft IT masterplan by March 31 this year, said Thein Oo. Industry representatives have been studying computer industry models in South Asian countries such as Singapore, Malaysia and Japan, said Thein Oo.

The masterplan would focus on measures to build an IT infrastructure in the country, promote use of infotech applications, e-commerce and build up a base for IT training, said Thein Oo.

The delegation will also visit Bangalore to gain an insight into the success of India's Silicon Valley, added Thein Oo. According to Tata Infotech resident director Kalyan Bose, there is a lot of potential in sectors such as IT training in Myanmar. Tata Infotech was also keen to set up training centres in the country, added Bose.

Myanmar industry players have shown keen interest inparticipating in trade fairs and exhibitions in India, said Ramachandran.

Myanmar by itself may not be a big market but it could act as a stepping stone for increasing exports to South Asian market, added Ramachandran. Nasscom would soon be be taking a business delegation to the country to fathom the market potential.