Belize’s BPO sector to transform into the Global Digital Services sector

Stakeholders from across Belize’s public and private sectors gathered in Belize City today for a national validation workshop on the Global Digital Services Investment Policy and Strategy.  The workshop surrounds an initiative that would guide the country’s transition from a traditional BPO industry into a more advanced Global Digital Services sector with a strong focus on the Orange Economy.  Today’s workshop builds directly on the Government of Belize’s announcement earlier this year, “GOB Prepares BPO Sector for Critical Transition” issued on August 13, where the Ministry of Investment signaled that it had been closely monitoring the proposed Keep Call Centres in America Act being considered in the United States. At the time, the Ministry, through its Investment Policy and Compliance Unit (IPCU), noted that the legislation underscored the urgent need for Belize to diversify and elevate its BPO offerings in order to remain competitive. Chief Executive Officer in the Office of the Prime Minister, Narda Garcia, spoke at this morning’s workshop who coined the current situation as a twin-storm.  

Today’s validation workshop represents the next major step in that long-term transition process.  The objective of the project is to develop a comprehensive strategy that positions Belize to move beyond traditional call-center work and enter the global digital services marketplace with higher-value offerings. These include software development, animation, digital art, gaming, content creation, and other Orange Economy activities that are rapidly expanding due to advancements in Artificial Intelligence and global demand.  Lincoln Blake, Director of the Investment Policy and Compliance Unit (IPCU) elaborated on how this links with the Orange Economy sector. 

Belize’s BPO sector currently employs approximately 20,000 Belizeans, making it one of the country’s largest employers. Officials say that evolving global conditions, including technological shifts, U.S. legislative pressures, and new digital market trends, make it essential for Belize to climb the value chain and future-proof the industry.  The project, titled “Global Digital Services Investment Policy and Strategy with Focus on the Orange Economy Project,” is being implemented by the international consulting firm Congenia and funded by the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB).