Wipro Infotech, the Middle East and Asia-Pacific arm of Wipro Ltd, has launched operations in Bahrain and plans to offer IT services to its customers in the Gulf state.

Wipro began operations in the Middle East in June 2001 and has built a strong customer base in the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Oman, Kuwait and Saudi Arabia.

Azim Premji, Chairman, Wipro Ltd, during his visit to Bahrain on Monday said: "The Middle East is a critical component of our global expansion strategy, as it is a rapidly growing IT services market. We are committed to building a strong business base in Bahrain and the rest of the Middle East."

"We will continue to provide value through our vast global experience, robust quality processes, in-depth understanding of various domains and our comprehensive range of high value IT Services," he added.

Wipro is working with the Maskati Commercial Services, headed by Adel Maskati, as its local partner, to address the IT needs of customers in Bahrain.

Commending the efforts of Bahrain in promoting IT, Premji said, "I am delighted to learn that the telecommunications infrastructure in Bahrain is amongst the most sophisticated in the world. Coupled with a vision of being a regional telecommunications and information technology hub in the Middle East, I expect Bahrain to be the key IT growth enabler in the region."

Some of Wipro's key customers in the Middle East include Saudi Polyolefins, Al Haya Medical Company and Riyadh Pharma in Saudi Arabia; Dubai e-Government, Dubai Municipality and Dubai Dry Docks in UAE; and Doha Bank and Qatar Vinyl Company in Qatar.

Wipro is also in discussions with prospective customers in Bahrain.

Commenting on India's success in the global software market, Premji said that the innovative service delivery models, commitment to quality and a focus on cost-effective solutions have made India the world's preferred IT destination.

"In line with this, Wipro has been at the forefront of the quality revolution and is committed to bringing high quality cost effective IT services to customers in Bahrain," he said.

Wipro has over 200 professionals working on various projects in the Middle East. Its major thrust is on the high-end of the IT services value-chain, including technology services, software solutions and IT consulting.