Kirk LaughlinSOURCE: Dinero.com
HP announced this week a strategic alliance with Medellín and the national government to open a new Global Service Center designed to operate as the hub of multi-functional operations such as technology, business office and sales support.
This was announced by Minister of Commerce, Industry and Tourism Luis Guillermo Plata, along with representatives from HP, at a ceremony in Medellin.
After a selection process which reviewed several countries and cities in the region, the U.S. company opted for Medellín to locate a BPO, a center for outsourced business services. “In Medellin, we have found the confidence, respect, passion for customers, teamwork, speed, achievements and contributions, a significant innovation and business in a holistic manner,” said Vice President of Strategy and Corporate Development, HP Gerard Brossard.
Support from public agencies, private industry and academia influenced the decision, according to HP. ” We’re keen to bet on Medellin, but we had some difficulties trying to leave behind the negative perception of Colombia, ” said Broussard. “We are the first software company landing in Colombia, but we feel great opportunities for growth,” said
HP’s operations will have close ties to a local university in Medellin. “This is the culmination of one phase and the beginning of a more important phase,” stressed one of the Colombian minister, who stressed the “demonstration effect” that HP will have on this investment.
“Other companies will begin to see what is happening in Colombia and Medellin, and wonder why, if HP, a reputable company and a leader is there, they are not there. That starts to change the landscape in Colombia,” said the minister.
Silver explained that the great relationship Colombia has with former Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice was a key factor in HP’s decision.
The city “presented the most interesting and attractive” option according to HP.
Collabortors included Empresas Publicas de Medellin (EPM), the channel UNE, the University EAFIF, Proexport and the Agency for Investment and Cooperation of Medellín (ACI). “It’s a great opportunity, grasp it, Let’s take it and grow with it,” said Plata. .
The mayor, Alonso Salazar, said the global president of HP identified “benefits, human talent and business opportunities as the three things that were most attractive about Medellin.”
The software giant’s bid for Medellin definitely leave behind the “old days marked by the stigma of violence and drug trafficking” and “significant plant a seed, whose growth depends on us and not just HP,” said Salazar.
Although HP did not want to give details of the new service center that will operate in Medellin, Colombian President Alvaro Uribe, stepped forward last week saying that the move will generate some 1,000 jobs in the first stage of the project.
Yes, this is a very good choice, people from Medellin are very good, very hard workers, smart and very good in business, plus they give special attention to the public.