Outsourcing opportunities seen to boost BPO growth
The business process outsourcing (BPO) industry is projected to sustain growth of more than 30 percent this year despite the economic slump, as opportunities mount in the outsourcing sector, according to an industry player.
“There’s a lot of opportunities in non-voice work and IT (information technology) services outsourcing,” Ronald U. Gaerlan, vice president for business development of Advanced Contact Solutions Inc. said in an interview.
“In companies especially in the mortgage side, there are many premium reminders. They are looking for people who basically collect bad debts. So I think, it would be good for the outbound,” he said.
Gaerlan also based this optimism on the positive impact of the weakening of the peso on net earnings and profit of BPO companies. The local unit has depreciated by around 16 percent to 49 to a dollar from a high of 42.
“The exchange rate is a boon for contact center business. It impacts positively and directly to our bottom line,” he said.
This factor is on top of companies’ efforts to buoy up revenues amid the United States-led crisis.
“The US market will slow down and basically, when consumption slows down, basic customers’ care will also shrink. Very, very clearly, you can see a lot of pressure because people have to find ways to make their bottom line,” he added.
Gaerlan stressed that from all indications, BPO growth is “on track” with 2011 roadmap set by industry players.
Likewise, jobs generation in the industry is expected to grow between 20 to 30 percent especially as a large number of companies are expressing interest to take advantage of Philippine BPO services, he further said.
Export industry stakeholders have targeted to raise $84.4 billion worth of goods and services by 2010 under the new export development plan, with a specific commitment of $13 billion by the BPO industry.
However, the Philippine Exporters Confederation, Inc. (Philexport) said this projection might have to be reviewed to reflect the impact of the global financial meltdown. – Philexport News and Features.
Source : http://beta.philstar.com/
