BPO Mixer Highlights Growth and Challenges in Digital Services Sector

The Economic Development Council in the Office of the Prime Minister, in collaboration with the Belize BPO Association and the Belize Chamber of Commerce and Industry, hosted a Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) Business Mixer aimed at strengthening Belize’s digital services sector and fostering industry partnerships. The event brought together government representatives, private sector leaders, and partner organizations to discuss challenges facing the BPO industry and identify solutions to support sustainable growth. Officials say the sector currently includes 17 companies operating under the Designated Processing Area program and provides more than 9,000 jobs to Belizeans, contributing to roughly 20,000 digital service positions nationwide, many held by youth and women. Presentations highlighted ongoing efforts to develop Belize’s Global Digital Services Investment Policy through a project supported by the Inter-American Development Bank. The initiative aims to close skills gaps, upskill workers, and position Belize to compete in higher-value digital services markets. A panel featuring representatives from the Labour Department, Social Security Board, investment policy officials, and the Police Cybersecurity Unit addressed issues including labour law modernization, social security services, immigration procedures, and cybersecurity concerns affecting the sector. Informational booths were also set up to guide businesses and employees on compliance requirements, work permits, and benefit claims, while organizers called for continued public-private collaboration to improve the business climate and expand opportunities in Belize’s growing digital economy.