U.S. IT Firm Mphasis Corp. Looks to Tap the Philippines’ BPO Industry

Mphasis Corp., a U.S.-based information technology company, is eyeing to enter the Philippines by establishing its own business process outsourcing (BPO) operations. Around 1,500 to 2,000 IT call center jobs are projected to be created as part of the firm’s interest to invest in the country, according to the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI).

The company’s plans were explained during a meeting between Trade Secretary Ramon Lopez and Mphasis chief executive officer Nitin Rakesh alongside Mphasis industry solutions group senior vice president and global head Indranil Roy. Mphasis’ move to invest in the Philippines was advised by its clients — mostly major American banks and insurance companies — granted the service and skillsets of the country’s local talent pool.

“Our country is increasing its capacity to become a global player in IT-enabled services through the provision of analytical and AI (artificial intelligence) skills development, competitive enabling environment, and cost efficiencies,” explained Lopez, noting the advantages of the Philippines as a destination for IT services. “This, thereby, ensures that investors can profitably serve international and fast-growing regional markets.”

The trade official furthered that the country has a workforce of 49 million, which mitigates the complications of sourcing local talent. Additionally, 30% of the 800,000 graduates that the Philippines generates annually are equipped with backgrounds in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.

The Board of Investments (BOI) — being a partner of the Commission on Higher Education — can also connect Mphasis with education institutions in an effort to further develop local talent that is catered to the company’s needs, said BOI managing head and Trade Undersecretary Ceferino Rodolfo. Employing returning overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) along with the Corporate Recovery and Tax Incentives for Enterprises Act were also among the other advantages highlighted by Rodolfo.

“Our continued efforts to upskill our workforce and liberalize our industries through major economic reforms under President Duterte’s guidance and leadership, partnered with our strong economic fundamentals, have proven our capability to position the Philippines as an ideal investment hub in Southeast Asia. We look forward to how the next generation of leaders can further build on these successes,” Lopez concluded.

Source: PhilStar