The agreement was signed by Senator Richard Alston, Australian Minister for Communications and Information Technology and Mr P Rajendran, chief operating officer of NIIT, recently. The agreement is expected to boost NIIT's plan of expansion in Australia through partnership with the local companies to tap the Australian IT market.

NIIT also plans to set up a software development centre and computer training centres in Australia in partnership with the local entrepreneurs. The company will also focus on procuring e-business and knowledge solutions projects in the government and private sector.

According to Mr Rajendran, "NIIT regards Australia as a highly significant market in its overall global strategy. NIIT has a dual objective - to cater to the needs of the Australian market as well as to leverage local Australian expertise for addressing its global operations."

The strategy involves NIIT extending the reach of its offices in Australia, making targeted investments and expanding business in the Australian market. The objective is to emerge as a major player in the Australian IT market and participate in the development of Australian IT and Telecommunication industries, he added.