Global Digital Services
As the information technology enabled services (ITES) sector becomes more competitive and globalized amidst escalating costs to outsource in Asia, organizations are quickly looking to relocate their outsourcing operations to destinations like Belize, which offers the same agility, access to new markets, talent and ultimately cost savings. The Global Digital Services sector has specifically been recognized as a specialized “niche” area and priority industry for Belize’s socio-economic growth by the Government of Belize (GOB), as well as the private sector.
Historically, the Global Digital Services sector of Belize has experienced tremendous growth of over 80% in the past few years, starting with only one (1) center opening its doors in 2005. Currently, there are 28 active centers presently employing over 7,800 agents. Various operations of diverse sizes are underway along with several investments in the exploratory or planning stages. Most centers in Belize currently focus on inbound and outbound call center operations, since it is the only Latin American and Caribbean location offering the dual advantage of being a cost-effective location, with ‘accent neutral’ English language skills; English being the official language. Belize also hosts a 56.6% Spanish-speaking population, making it a truly bilingual destination. (2010 census SIB)
Though a new player in the global outsourcing industry, the Belize Global Digital Service sector is on a strong growth trajectory owing to the advantages of a young population, the natural flair of a service-based economy, a competitive business environment, world-class telecom infrastructure, specialized incentives, and strong active government support. Furthermore, Belize is a great value destination due to its high workforce availability, salaries that are 60-80% lower than US locations, and low attrition rate of 10%. Belize City, the largest city in Belize, is the hub for outsourcing activities and is also home to some of the largest BPOs offering a range of services, including voice/non-voice customer support, sales, data processing, and documentation services. Ladyville, Belmopan, San Ignacio, Corozal, and Orange Walk are some of the other emerging areas of opportunity.
Indeed, Belize has an established BPO industry that has been registering considerable growth over the past few years, alongside active government support for the national BPO Strategy concluded in 2013 and continued investments in the industry’s infrastructure, labour pool, and ecosystem. The existing employee base of 7,800 agents is expected to grow exponentially in the upcoming years, which continues to provide employment opportunities to the local populace. With call center wages as low as US$2.25 at the entry-level and US$5.00 to 6.00 at supervisory levels, Belize offers one of the most competitive cost-to-value quotients in the Latin American and Caribbean region.
As Belize’s Global Digital Services sector continues to grow, service providers have diversified into new service areas including information technology outsourcing (ITO) and knowledge process outsourcing (KPO). Currently, outsourcing service providers in Belize offer a cadre of I.T. services including technical support, software development, programming, web design, data processing, and e-marketing. Professional services also continue to remain at the forefront of trade in services as various organizations and developments benefit from the myriad of cost-effectiveness and competitive advantages that Belize has to offer in this space. Some of these professional services include legal, financial accounting, auditing, taxation, architecture, engineering, virtual management, business consulting, and research and development.
LANGUAGE
Language Skills: Belize is a Central American and Caribbean country with truly bi – lingual capabilities (English and Spanish). However, there are several native languages spoken in Belize offering a young and adaptable workforce.
Time Zone Advantage
Belize mirrors U.S. Central Standard Time (CST). Geographic Proximity – Within 2 to 4 hours of direct flights from key U.S. cities while also being situated in Central America with links to the Caribbean region.
$ Competitive Salaries – agents cost 60 – 80% less than average U.S. location.
$ Stable Currency – Belize Dollar (BZD) fixed at 2:1 against U.S. Dollar (USD).
Telecom Infrastructure
Modern telecom infrastructure using 2 main Fiber optic hubs (ARCOS & TELMAX) and a third to come with high redundancy rates nationally.
Incentive Programs
Tailored Fiscal Incentive Programs and Designated Processing Areas
Investment Opportunities
There is also the opportunity to build commercial buildings and data tech parks that are outsourcing specific offering incubator and turnkey BPO solutions. Ample opportunities in the value-added service areas of ITO and KPO are also available through Belize’s current talent pool.