By Belize Live News Staff: The Government of Belize (GOB), through the Ministry of Investment’s Investment Policy and Compliance Unit (IPCU), is taking proactive steps to prepare the country’s Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) sector for a critical industry transition amid proposed U.S. legislation that could affect overseas call centers.
The “Keep Call Centres in America Act,” currently under consideration in the United States, has prompted the Ministry to accelerate strategies to future-proof Belize’s BPO industry. Over the past several years, policy directives and legislative reforms have fueled the sector’s growth, and since 2024, the Ministry has been working with the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) and the Belize BPO Association to design initiatives aimed at upskilling the workforce and adding value to the sector.
Two major projects are now underway to transition Belize’s BPO industry into a broader Global Digital Services (GDS) industry. On February 4, 2025, the IDB signed a contract with Spain-based consultancy Congenia CYL, SL to craft Belize’s GDS Investment Policy, with a strong focus on the Orange Economy. This initiative targets fast-growing digitally deliverable services such as cloud computing, fintech, AI/machine learning, cybersecurity, telecom, and professional services, as well as creative and cultural industries like film, design, publishing, animation, music, and digital content.
On April 1, 2025, a second project was launched — the “Consultancy to Enhance Belize’s GDS Industry by Upskilling Entry-Level and BPO Professionals for Advanced Technical Support Roles.” Led by Chamberlain Consulting Ltd and Socias Ltd of Belize, along with UK-based Rhics Ltd, and funded by the IDB, the programme will focus on developing advanced skills in cybersecurity, data analysis, UI/UX design, and cloud engineering. A tailored curriculum is being finalized, with training for the first 50 BPO professionals set to begin in the coming months.
The Ministry is encouraging the public and BPO stakeholders to follow updates and be ready to seize opportunities when applications for the initial training slots open.
