Narayan AmmachchiThe Jamaican government is preparing to establish a business accelerator center in Montego Bay, alleviating the need for Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) companies on the western side of the island to travel to Kingston for regulatory approvals.
The Jamaica Special Economic Zone Authority (JSEZA) will launch this center in early 2025, according to local news sources citing Sancia Bennett Templer, Secretary for Investment and Commerce.
This initiative follows the successful launch of Jamaica Gateway in 2023, which allows BPOs to apply for and track various permits, licenses, and approvals from the government. The upcoming Montego Bay accelerator aims to streamline these processes by consolidating all thoe processes under one roof.
To complement these efforts, the government plans to roll out two additional online services aimed at enhancing efficiency between BPOs and regulatory bodies, Templer revealed.
In a bid to solidify the sector’s growth, the government is also partnering with private companies to craft a comprehensive strategy for BPO development. Financial incentives for innovation and job creation are reportedly under consideration.
With over 60,000 Jamaicans employed in BPOs, the sector is a key economic driver alongside tourism.
JSEZA currently oversees 198 Special Economic Zone (SEZ) sites across the island, a dramatic expansion from the original two—Kingston Free Zone and Montego Bay Free Zone, established in 1988.
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