Top 50 Emerging Global Outsourcing Cities - Tholons

Special ReportTUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 29, 2009The gateway to the global sourcing of IT and BPO servicesThe 2009 Destination Coverage in Global ServicesOffshoring: The Caribbean ExperienceOne of the most preferred tourists spots, Jamaica is now an offshoring hub too. With itsfast increasing emphasis on the quality of its infrastructure and workforce, the countrydifferentiates itself as a nearshore outsourcing destination. However, Jamaica is notpositioned as a low-cost destination. A look at the Jamaican outsourcing industry— By Diksha DuttaJamaica might have a violent history considering thatthe Spanish conquered the peaceful Awarkas, way backin the 16th century. But today, the country has risen withpassion and perseverance and is a potential place to tradeand invest for countries across the globe.Similar time zone makes Jamaica a convenient nearshoreoutsourcing location for the outsourcing servicesbuyers from neighboring countries, including the U.S.,Latin America and other Caribbean countries. The timezone varies zero to three hours from North America andfive to six hours from Europe.“Jamaica is an ideal destination for investing as its locationprovides a crossing point between both North andSouth America,” explains Hugh Cresser, Principal Consultant,Emerging Markets, PA Consulting. International directdialing links subscribers to the U.S., Canada, Europeand the Caribbean and the Jamaica. Digiport Internationalin the Montego Bay Free Zone offers satellite earth stationswith support technology to facilitate satellite linksand digital switching to carrier networks in North Americaand Europe.“Customers like Jamaica because of its ease of access.We have several customers living in Atlanta. It’s just as easygetting on the plane to go to Jamaica as it is to go to Washington,DC. Proximity to the U.S. is certainly a factor, andthere are great labor resources,” says Tom Blodgett, Execu-Major Outsourcing Cities in JamaicaCityMontego Bay FreeZoneThe Cazoumar FreeZonePortmoreKingstonSource: Global ServicesUSP>> highly developed financial services sectorthat offers on-line banking facilities,and foreign companies may operate theircorporate accounts at any of these institutions.>> Ready access to qualified graduates withskills required for the competitive marketplace>> Client Relations Division helps investorscontact recruitment agencies and traininginstitutions for specific skills.>> Office space, telecommunications facilities,a Flow NOC, catering (canteens) andtransportation for workers.>> Informatics Park has prominent offshoreinvestment opportunities in ICT>> Top quality information processing facilities>> A young, well-educated and computer literatepopulation.>> Huge potential inspite of its high crimerate>> ACS recently purchased a company callede-Services with established operations inKingston.40 GlobalServices www. globalservicesmedia.com October 2009