Testing the Social Impact of Outsourcing by Launching Call Centers in Afro-Colombian Regions
May 21st, 2013
Nearly $5 million goes to BPO in Choco region
By James Bargent
An unusual alliance that has brought together multinational business and international aid with the local public and private sectors is set to test the social impact of outsourcing with a bold new project in Colombia’s Afro-Colombian heartland.
By Peter Ryan
Ovum analysts were recently afforded a first-hand view of one of Colombia’s emerging secondary locations for contact center outsourcing, the city of Barranquilla. With investments by both local and global vendors in the city continuing at a strong pace, it is clear that the Colombian CRM sector has room to grow beyond Bogota. However, it is also clear that Barranquilla’s existing vendor base needs to work closely with local authorities to ensure a manageable level of expansion to prevent short-term industry saturation.
Rising Wages and Inflation Damage the Luster of Costa Rica
April 23rd, 2013
Stream’s Salazar: “Almost impossible” finding talent at right price
Out of nowhere, Costa Rica is described as “another Puerto Rico”
By Narayan Ammachchi
Rising wages and inflation are threatening to undermine Costa Rica’s outsourcing sector, with several outsourcing firms scaling down operation and fleeing to cheaper locations. Costa Rica has the highest rate of inflation in all of Central America and the country’s currency Colon too has continued to rise against the US dollar. Inflation in February was 6.52 percent, the highest since 2009 and beyond the central bank’s target of 5 percent, according to Bloomberg.
Jamaica to Inject $20 million to Strengthen ICT
April 23rd, 2013By Narayan Ammachchi
The Development Bank of Jamaica (DBJ) has agreed to lend $20 million to the Jamaican government for the construction of dozens of Information and Communications Technology (ICT) centers across the Caribbean country.
Peter Phillips, minister of finance and planning, told the House of Representatives that the ICT centers will create between 7000 and 8000 jobs for the Jamaicans.
The minister made it clear that these estimates do not include other jobs to be created when the private investors chip in. He said the new funds will further bolster ICT infrastructure and create an atmosphere for foreign companies to take part in the country’s growth.
Dr. Phillips noted that ‘there is no limit to what Jamaica can achieve in ICT’ and urged private investors to join in.
The Finance Minister also encouraged investors to contribute to the ‘logistics hub’ initiative. The project, which seeks to take advantage of the expansion …
British Columbia: The Cornerstone of Canada’s Digital Economy
April 9th, 2013By Tarun George
How often do you think of the province of British Columbia, Canada, as a destination of choice for the ICT industry? Especially when compared to Silicon Valley to the south, the likely answer is: Not much. But all the indicators are pointing to BC’s emergence as a tech and design hotspot, albeit facing stiff competition from other North American locations, all vying to attract investment and big name companies.
By Narayan Ammachchi
Severe economic setbacks in Spain are setting in motion several positive developments for Peru’s BPO sector. Peru’s call center industry grew 17 percent in 2012 and its export sector registered more than 14 percent growth, according to APECCO (Associacion Peruana de Centros de Contacto).
By Narayan Ammachchi
HP is gearing up to relocate a part of its global services center in Costa Rica to the Indian city of Bangalore, leaving 400 people jobless. The U.S. tech giant has not explained what caused its decision, but analysts believe rising wages and dwindling English-speaking workforce in the Central American country has long been a concern for the Silicon Valley company.
Announcing the Power 50 2013: The Real Operators
March 25th, 2013
Members of the third annual Nearshore Americas Power 50 Ranking – announced here today – demonstrate the real character of this emerging, chaotic and scrappy young industry. The ranking, which is the result of a five-month nomination and review process, strives to bring to light the spark and inspiration that powers the Nearshore business community. The list is remarkable for several reasons.
Bumpy Road Ahead For Venezuela’s Outsourcing Sector
March 12th, 2013By James Bargent
Atento’s Rodas: Not giving up on outsourcing in Venezuela
Hugo Chavez was a divisive and controversial figure but a man acknowledged by his critics and admirers alike as a political titan who left his mark on Venezuela like no leader before him. His death last week brings to a close a 14-year era that radically reshaped the political, social and economic landscape of the entire country. For those involved in outsourcing and services provision, and for the business sector in general, it is not an era that will be remembered warmly.
Nearshore Nexus 2013: The Right Hemisphere at the Right Time
March 11th, 2013Can Latin America help my business become faster, smarter and more competitive? REGISTER HERE
