Sydney has been chosen as the location for a new Asia Pacific regional office by the organisation which controls the worldwide allocation of internet addresses.

The decision by the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) to establish in Sydney will create 13 jobs and add to the city's reputation as Australia's technology hub.

The NSW Government has helped secure ICANN's investment through assistance provided by the Department of State and Regional Development (DSRD).

ICANN is a non-profit organisation headquartered in Los Angeles with an office in Washington DC and a European regional office in Brussels.

Now it will extend its worldwide reach with a new Asia Pacific regional office in Sydney, creating 13 jobs.

ICANN plays an important role in managing the assignment of internet domain names and internet protocol (IP) addresses internationally.

ICANN expects significant increased demand for internet domains from Asia going forward.

The presence of a regional ICANN office in Sydney will boost the international profile of the city as a key information and communications technology (ICT) hub.

ICANN’s regional office is a natural fit for Sydney given the city is the preferred location for ICT specialist businesses including many major ICT multinationals.

NSW is also the base for Australia's ICT services exports and accounts for 52 per cent of Australia's computer and information services exports. In 2007-08, NSW exports of ICT services exceeded $800 million.