CICT wants to become lead agency for BPO

By Lawrence Casiraya - Inquirer

The Commission on ICT aims to become the “single-point of contact” for investors in the outsourcing industry.

“If there are concerns (from investors), they can come to us,” said CICT chair Ray Anthony Roxas-Chua in an interview.

The CICT recently signed a formal partnership with the Trade and Industry department's regional operations group to implement an ICT strategic roadmap. The partnership also involves the Business Process Association of the Philippines (BPA/P).

The agreement basically aims to mobilize all three parties in developing regional ICT hubs that will accommodate BPO investors.

Under the partnership, CICT's role will be to provide technical assistance. The DTI, meanwhile, will be working with local government units.

“Based on industry feedback, investors cannot figure out who exactly in the government is championing BPO,” Roxas-Chua said.

“What we want to become is the coordinating body for different agencies involved,” he added.

BPA/P is targeting to reach $12 billion in revenues and add half a million more workers by 2010.

“These are achievable goals but all stakeholders need to work together,” Roxas-Chua said.