Wednesday, January 30, 2008 Neda sees growth in BPO industry By Joy Romares-Sevilla
THE top official of the National Economic Development Authority (Neda) in Southern Mindanao said investments in the business process outsourcing (BPO) are seen to rise this year due to the reduced economic activities in the United States.
"Because of the recession na nangyayari sa US, BPO industry in the Philippines is expected to rise. Ganun naman talaga, whatever loss of the US would be the gain of the Philippines," said Nicasio Angelo Agustin, Neda Southern Mindanao regional director and vice-chair of the Regional Development Council (RDC).
"I believe that the performance of our BPO industry this year would be better. The conduct of BPO-related businesses will be very costly in the US, we have a cheaper labor cost here kaya lalakas tayo," Agustin added.
Agustin, on the other hand, said that the services sector in Davao Region, which included the BPO industry, remained to be the main factor to boost the region's economic performance last year.
At the same time, he said investment trend in the region gears toward an upward direction.
"We should also watch out for the investments in the construction sector, it is expected to rise this year. Last year kasi medyo bumaba," Agustin said.
Agustin said Neda-Southern Mindanao is still finalizing the economic situation report in the region.
