How many of you actually know what the Business Process Outsourcing industry most commonly known as the BPO sector does? Why have many people worked at a BPO or “call centre” at least once in their life and how will this sector weather a global recession? Joining me now to discuss the BPO sector and the economy, we have Senator the Honourable Aubyn Hill, Minister of Industry, Investment and Commerce.
Greater BPO opportunities for Jamaicans coming, say Senator Hill
Minister of Industry, Investment and Commerce, Senator Aubyn Hill says he believes that a US recession will provide more opportunities for business process outsourcing (BPO) workers in Jamaica.
Speaking on MoneyMovesJa with Kalilah Reynolds, the Minister said that a contraction in the US economy should not have any great impact on BPO operations in Jamaica.
According to Senator Hill, it might present even more opportunities.
“People are finding it hard to find workers in the United States,” he noted, adding that Jamaica is now being seen as an attractive investment destination because of its proximity.
“Because of us being on the same timeline not in the Philippines or some place in Asia, those long supply lines are seen as risky and unattractive,” he said. The Minister also noted that as an English-speaking country, Jamaica is even more compelling to BPO practitioners.
Hill said that despite the uncertainty in the US economy he is still confident that the Government will meet its target of 300,000 jobs in the BPO sector by 2030.
“We had about 43,000 employees at the end of 2019 and we’re now about 55,000 employees. So, we have kept growing through the pandemic and we expect to continue to grow,” he revealed.
He also noted that there is an increased interest in the sector.
“I’m surprised to see how many people see this as an actual job and not just a placeholder,” he said.
The Minister said that he has been working with the relevant ministries to finalise arrangements that will bring the BPO sector to the next level.
He said that an official home-from-work policy is being drafted as well as upgrades are being made to broadband connections to improve efficiency and comfort.
“BPO workers have attractive alternatives for working at home, in other countries. So, if we don’t get there, that is a really good way to lose our business,” he added.
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