KINGSTON, Jamaica (JIS) — Prime Minister Portia Simpson Miller says that eight of the approximately 40 business process outsourcing (BPO) companies operating in Jamaica have five-year expansion plans that could create almost 6,000 additional jobs.

She made the disclosure at the official opening of Sutherland Global Services’ New Kingston offices on January 22.

Describing the BPO industry in Jamaica as a “game changer,” Simpson Miller said the sector is creating employment for thousands of people, while generating an estimated US$500 million in revenues annually. 

She noted that the Government is encouraging the continued growth of the industry, through the provision of additional operating space that is being built by the Factories Corporation of Jamaica in the Montego Bay Free Zone and the Portmore Technology Park.

She informed that the private sector-owned Barnett Tech Park in Montego Bay is undergoing expansion to attract more companies.

“This build-out of space has been supported by the Government’s creation of a dedicated and attractive Infrastructure Loan Facility managed by the Development Bank of Jamaica,” she informed.

Simpson Miller said the Government recognises the outsourcing sector as an important driver of economic development through foreign direct investment, job creation and general business expansion and will continue to provide the enabling environment to facilitate investment. 

“Currently, Jamaica offers a comprehensive range of incentives to facilitate firms looking to establish offshore outsourcing operations in Jamaica. They can enjoy concessions on income tax, exemption from the duties and taxes on imported items for their businesses, and employment tax credits. There is also training and recruitment support,” she pointed out.

The Prime Minister said companies like Sutherland Global are looking to Jamaica, because of the island’s proximity to major markets in North America; reduction in operating costs; and a growing number of persons who are trained, qualified and educable.