Thiruvananthapuram, Aug 25 (IANS): A leading Information Technology honcho on Thursday advocated a multipronged strategy to promote fresh investment in the IT sector in Kerala.

V.K. Mathews, who heads Technopark-headquartered IBS Software (IBS), said one of the important steps to attract more IT players is through a strategic campaign involving successful companies in the state.

"The state government should see to it that they facilitate the campaign; but use the successful players here to lead the campaign. There are numerous success stories in the IT sector in our state. This will result in more confidence among potential investors," Mathews said.

IBS, which employs 3,000 professionals in 10 locations around the globe, is a travel, transportation and logistics IT solutions specialist and was one of the first companies to set shop in the state.

Even with Technopark, which was the country's first IT campus in the country, Kerala's exports in IT sector has touched Rs 15,000 crore. Around 75,000 IT professionals are working in the state capital, Kochi and at other centres.

"Another aspect that will help attract fresh investments is that Kerala should maintain a competitive edge, compared with other major IT cities. Rents are high here, compared with Bengaluru in neighbouring Karnataka. Only by being competitive in offerings can fresh investment be attracted," he said.

The IT honcho also pointed out that the success of 'Smart City Kochi' was also important for the state.