The Global Services Association of Jamaica (GSAJ) says the fifth installation of the Outsource2Jamaica (O2J) 2025 conference in Montego will highlight the growth of the sector over the last decade as well as chart a path for the future.

To be held under the theme ‘Driving Excellence’, O2J 2025 will be held at the Montego Bay Convention Centre in Rose Hall, St James, on Friday, April 21, 2025.

While noting that the confab will be a celebration of innovation, collaboration and growth, GSAJ President Wayne Sinclair explained that the event will afford “an unprecedented opportunity” for local global digital services providers to connect with international buyers who are ready to engage in business.

“This gathering will explore the limitless possibilities that the global services sector offers and to forge new partnerships that drive our industry forward; a true marketplace where buyers and sellers will come together to do business,” he explained during the launch of the event at the Jamaica Pegasus in New Kingston on Tuesday, February 25.

Jamaica’s leadership position in global services

“Jamaica has long been recognised as a hub for creativity and talent, and our global services industry is no exception. With a skilled workforce, state-of-the-art infrastructure and a business-friendly environment, Jamaica continues to service notice that we are a leader in the global services sector. Our commitment to excellence and our unwavering dedication to providing top-notch services make us a preferred destination for businesses worldwide,” Sinclair continued.

Reinforcing Jamaica’s position as a leader in the global services industry, Opposition spokesman on industry and commerce Anthony Hylton said that it is important that, having achieved the recognition of a leader, it is critical for the sector to reinvent itself, while remaining relevant and staying at “the top of mind” of its investor community.

O2J 2025 will facilitate networking, discussions and presentations among global industry leaders, experts, and stakeholders who will focus on the opportunities available within Jamaica’s global services industry. In addition, local players will engage in deal-making with international buyers from the USA, UK, Canada, Europe and Latin America during the business-to-business session.

“Our firms will have face-to-face opportunities to share best practices, explore emerging trends, and showcase the innovations taking place in our sector such as the rapid adoption of artificial intelligence and other cutting-edge technologies, thus demonstrating our readiness for the next phase of the industry’s evolution,” Sinclair outlined.

Delivering higher value-added services

In underscoring O2J’s motto—‘Learn, Network Connect’—the GSAJ president highlighted the conference’s mandate to embrace new technology, build global partnerships and provide important business opportunities for members. On this note, Sinclair called on GSAJ members to “think beyond traditional boundaries and to reimagine the future of the global services sector.

“Specifically, I call out to existing and prospective players in the sector to deliver higher-value-added services. This includes…financial analysis, market research, data mining and security, telemedicine, healthcare consulting, legal, accounting and management consulting services,” he continued, adding, “This is where the opportunities of the future lie and O2J is the place to show your stuff.”

Sinclair also urged local outsourcers to invest in local talent, calling the workforce in the sector “our greatest asset” and the backbone of the industry. Moreover, he stated that it is the responsibility of local players to invest in their employees’ development and well-being by providing opportunities for growth and fostering a culture of innovation.

“We’re not the BPO sector of yesteryear,” Sinclair emphasised, as he encouraged global services providers to embrace new opportunities to propel the sector to new heights and create a better future for Jamaica.

During the launch, JAMPRO Vice-President—Investment and Linkages Christopher Denny acknowledged the global services sector’s contribution to economic growth and job creation. He further noted that the country’s growth also catalyses the development of knowledge process outsourcing as the global services sector offers more value-added, up-market services.