Jordan offers all the essential elements needed for a global firm to establish a regional hub for Business Process Outsourcing (BPO), IT Outsourcing (ITO) or Research and Development.
Jordan’s main strength lies in its human capital, as it has one of the most highly qualified and competitive workforce in the region. Jordan is uniquely positioned as a nearshore destination for Europe and the Middle East because of the following attributes:
- High quality, well-educated, ICT trained workforce
- Competitive cost-structure
- Investor-friendly business environment with world-class infrastructure, incentives and business parks
- Near-shore location; convenient time zone and a gateway to the Middle East
Government
Jordan’s progressive government has recently launched a new Development Zone strategy, encompassing multiple specialized zones targeted at specific industries. These Development Zones offer aggressive financial incentives to complement existing economic advantages of operating in Jordan. Acknowledging those favourable factors, analyst firm AT Kearney recently ranked Jordan #9 in its Global Service Location Index (GSLI).
Positioning
Positioned as the gateway to the Middle East, Jordan is emerging today as one of the most ideal locations for the Global Services industry. It enjoys a mix of attributes that has made it an attractive location for IT Outsourcing (ITO), Business and Knowledge Process Outsourcing (BPO & KPO), Shared Services, Regional Business Support and Help Desk activities. Jordan possesses many natural advantages as a growing global services destination such as a bilingual work force (English and Arabic), a convenient time zone, state-of-the-art infrastructure, an open-economy and a business friendly environment.
To support the rapid growth of the outsourcing sector, Jordan became one of the first countries in the region to establish a chapter of the International Association of Outsourcing Professionals (IAOP). IAOP is the world’s premier organization for outsourcing industry leaders, professionals and service providers, providing educational programs, professional certification (Certified Outsourcing Professional -- COP) and leadership events. This reflects Jordan’s gain in global stature and maturity as an outsourcing destination and provides a very supporting environment for service providers as well as shared services organizations.
Driven by a concerted effort put in by the government and the private sector, this industry is expected to grow to USD $250 million over the next 3 years, creating over ten thousand jobs across a variety of services and industries.
Unique Value Proposition
Jordan possesses a very attractive business environment that combines smart and cost-effective talent, world-class infrastructure and supportive government policies. This is ideally suited for ITO and BPO companies seeking a support base in the MENA region for their global operations. Jordan offers the following unique value proposition:
- Proactive Government Support – Jordan’ national ICT strategy and vision of becoming a knowledge hub has positioned it as a leading outsourcing destination in the region. The government has committed to developing the required infrastructure in the form of Development Zones and to put in place attractive incentives and training initiatives to ensure a constant supply of skilled manpower.
- A central location to support a regional hub and spoken delivery Model– With many businesses looking to expand beyond the traditional markets, Jordan offers a unique opportunity to tap the growing MENA market. At a short flying distance from the GCC Countries, North Africa, Central Asia and Europe, Jordan provides an easily accessible location from which to support multiple regions.
- A young and growing talent pool: Jordan has the youngest and fastest growing youth segment (15-25 years) providing a good source of manpower. This is supported by a modern education system that ensures graduates have the required language and technical skills to support IT Enabled business operations.
- Investor-friendly regulations that do not require local business partners - Unlike other competing destinations in the region, Jordan does not have any foreign ownership/repatriation restrictions or localization policies thus giving companies the flexibility to invest freely and to employ the best talent.
- A modern and progressive society: Jordan is a regional tourist hub, with stable economic and political support for a progressive and multi-cultural society, making it an attractive destination for foreign nationals to work and reside.
To sum it up, Jordan’s primary value proposition lies in its stable costs and the high quality of its talent pool that is sustainable over the long term. Together with attractive incentives, investor-friendly policies and excellent infrastructure, Jordan has everything required for a smart outsourcing destination choice.
(-Main Source: Int@j ICT Sector Classification and Statistics)
