A new national strategy was recently approved by government to guide the development of the global digital services (GDS) sector. The strategy is geared towards supporting the development and diversification of outsourcing locally.

Providing a blueprint for expansion, the strategy is to focus on the readiness of the sector especially as the country looks to increase its export of higher value digital services as it attract investments, and exploit new industry trends and technological progress.

Minister of Industry, Investment and Commerce Aubyn Hill was selected by Cabinet to chair the Global Digital Services Sector Task Force while the Jamaica Promotions Corporation (Jampro) will serve as the secretariat, having responsibility to execute the strategy.

“This strategy represents a transition for Jamaica. Previously, our focus within the global services sector (GSS) was to lay the groundwork to build the industry, promote the sector to investors, and implement policies and incentives to create a business-friendly ecosystem. Now with an expanded focus for the global digital services sector, we aim to continue our work, but our priorities have expanded to include the increase of the export of high-value mainly digital services,” Hill said.

“This, we believe, will help to increase significantly the employment of many more Jamaicans and hard currency revenues,” he added.

Following a full implementation of the strategy, stakeholders are expecting to see a repositioning of the country as a destination for higher value digital services— offering higher levels of employment, income generation and the growth of domestic entrepreneurship in the digital services sector. Already providing employment for over 50,000 persons through some 70 global services sector companies, the sector currently exceeds annual revenues of US$900 million.”

In repositioning the country as a higher value destination, trade and investment promotion agency Jampro will also work with the Global Services Association of Jamaica (GSAJ), the Jamaica Technology and Digital Alliance (JTDA), government ministries and other entities to increase awareness in overseas markets of the island’s service delivery capabilities.

“Jampro will collaborate with industry stakeholders to implement numerous initiatives incorporated in the strategy. This is really a holistic approach, and will require the participation of several parties to achieve our goals for the sector,” stated Diane Edwards, president of Jampro.

Jampro is to also continue its work with the Ministry of Education, Youth and Information, educational institutions and industry bodies to develop the necessary talent pool required for higher value jobs and careers. Initiatives such as the Global Services Sector Project’s Skills Upgrade Strategy, and the Amber/HEART NSTA Coding Academy will also help to upskill persons in a number of years across information technology, management and leadership, cloud computing and coding, among others.

The Ministry of Science, Energy and Technology, the Jamaica Special Economic Zone Authority and the ICT Authority will also be involved in initiatives ranging from easing market entry for service providers, to improving cost competitiveness and enhancing the quality of telecom service.

Edwards, expressing confidence that the strategy will propel the sector on a path for rapid expansion, said it will also protect the industry from vulnerabilities, natural and man-made challenges and stagnancy, especially as it adjust to meet the growing needs of clients.

“While we have seen significant growth in outsourcing in Jamaica, it is important for us to continue advancing in our approach and activities to cement Jamaica’s role as a noted GDS destination for years to come. Through this proactive initiative, I believe Jamaica will continue to grow, and we will see a positive impact on our economy,” she said.