Kakinada Special Economic Zone (Kakinada SEZ), being developed by GMR group, entered into a partnership agreement with Bengaluru-based RuralShores for setting up a business process outsourcing centre.

According to the agreement, RuralShores, one of the largest rural BPO organisations in the country, would be establishing GMR's BPO at Kakinada SEZ in the East Godavari district of Andhra Pradesh.

"The

youth from villages in and round Kakinada SEZ would be given basic training by GMR," said Madhu Terdal, CEO, Kakinada SEZ.

East Godavari district collector Neetu Kumari Prasad was hopeful the BPO would herald further investments in the region to meet the aspirations of the local population.

According to GMR,  the proposed BPO is part of an effort to percolate India's strong position in BPO industry away from the established metros and Tier-II cities to rural areas where there is an abundance of good quality manpower.