Japan-based global tech giant Fujitsu Ltd has dispatched its number two man to Jamaica for a four-day visit that has raised hopes that the world’s fifth largest IT services provider is ready for more major investments in the island and the region.

Duncan Tait, the director and corporate executive officer, executive vice president and head of the Americas, Europe, Middle East, India, and Africa at Fujitsu is the whiz who grew the company’s business in the United Kingdom and Ireland by 55 per cent and is the most senior Fujitsu person based outside of Tokyo. He rarely visits a country unless it is to shore up business and investments there.

During the visit from February 19-21, 2017, Tait will meet with key government and private sector personalities, including Prime Minister Andrew Holness, Finance Minister Audley Shaw and Technology Minister Andrew Wheatley, for wide ranging discussions on information and communication issues, notably executive insights on digital disruption from a global perspective and the consequences for the region.

Fujitsu’s plans for expansion and growth in the Americas and the opportunities for the Caribbean, including Jamaica, as part of its three to five-year growth projections, and deepening opportunities for co-creation with public and private sector entities, will also be high points of the visit.

Tait, who is directly responsible for 40,000 Fujitsu employees, is coming for the first time to the Caribbean, one of the five regions under his supervision. His arrival in Jamaica will represent a coup for the island in that regard.

Outlining the purpose of the Fujitsu executive vice president’s visit, Sandra N Jones, the vice president for marketing and communications, Caribbean, Central America and Mexico, said: “With the inevitable impact of the new digital era now facing Jamaica in a very tangible way, new operating models will have to be implemented with speed to both seize the amazing opportunities and face the serious risks that exist to business and society.

“It is in this context that Mr Tait would wish to engage with the Government and private sector entities in discussions on the various points of interest,” said Jones who works out of Belmont Road, Kingston.

She noted that as it was his first time in the region, the visit was important based on the level of seniority and authority he has as a board member of Fujitsu.

“He is very keen to understand the investment opportunities that exist in the region in executing our vision to create an intelligent, human centric society based on IT-led innovation,” Jones said, adding: “With more than 27 years of experience in the ICT industry under is belt, Tait has led businesses across the broad spectrum of technology and services in the UK and internationally. His deep business and industry knowledge and global perspective are critical assets that enable Fujitsu to achieve its mission — to use technology to improve global business and society.”

Company bio said Tait joined Fujitsu in 2009 and was quickly promoted to chief executive of Fujitsu UK and Ireland and Chairman of Fujitsu Telecommunications Europe Limited (FTEL). He is said to enjoy building high performance teams and has a passion for inspiring people to achieve the company’s strategy. He is a member of the Prince’s Trust Technology Leaders’ Board, non-executive director of Business in The Community, board member of e-skills, and a fellow of the Royal Society of Arts.

Fujitsu is the leading Japanese information and communication technology (ICT) company, offering a full range of technology products, solutions, and services approximately 156,000 Fujitsu people support customers in more than 100 countries. The company reported consolidated revenues of 4.7 trillion yen (US$41 billion) for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2016.