–company opens new office

BUSINESS process out-sourcing (BPO) company, Teleperformance (TP) is looking to add another 1,000 persons to its staff, with the launch of its second office in Georgetown at Thomas and Middle Streets, Georgetown.

The company currently has an office at the corner of Camp and Robb Streets, where it employs some 1,500 persons.

Delivering the feature address at the launch of the new office, President, Dr Irfaan Ali said that Teleperformance’s expansion was made possible by the technology-driven ecosystem being created by the government to allow for advantageous competitiveness in the Information, Communication and Technology (ICT) sector in Guyana
Dr Ali called the BPO sector a major branch of the economic transformation in the country, which the government is building out for 2030 and beyond.

“It is very important for the sector that Teleperformance is operating in that way… we have a very competitive environment for them. Because their business operates on a model where competitiveness is essential for them in gaining clients and in competing against others in the world,” the President said.

He added: “We are building a country and sectors that must be able to compete globally. Our markets must not be confined to Guyana and the region.”

Headquartered in France, with operations in 91 countries and serving 170 markets, Teleperformance provides customer care, technical support, customer acquisition, digital solutions, analytics, back-office and other specialised services.

The President said that businesses such as Teleperformance depend on the state to create an ecosystem that allows them to be competitive; hence, that is an area that the government has been trying to put much focus on.

Some of the factors that were a hindrance in the past have since been removed. Dr Ali pointed to liberalisation of the telecommunications sector as being one of the first steps in this direction.
The government liberalised the telecommunications sector in Guyana in October 2020, some two months after assuming office that year.

According to Dr Ali: “Your cost of data is coming down because we have been able to develop the environment that creates this level of competitiveness. And this is a positive outcome and a direct benefit of the liberalisation.”

The government is developing an electronic, data-driven decision-making system that improves service delivery, governance efficiency, stimulates job creation, and improve the country’s global footprint in terms of technology.

“Beyond just focusing on BPO, Guyana also has its sights set on becoming involved in the business of data centres, and a lot of the work on the legislation,” the Head of State said.
Chief Executive Officer of Teleperformance Middle America Region (MAR) Andres Bernal, described the opening of the new office as a logical step forward in a long partnership between the company and the people of Guyana.

“Today begins a new chapter in the story we are writing, together with a shining future in front of all of us. This new space will help our dream for 1,000 more Guyanese, will take the country talent and competencies to many corners of the planet,” Bernal said.

According to Bernal, since TP opened in Guyana in 2016, the company has become an important player in the global structure that render services to the United States market
“From the ‘get go’ the Guyana Teleperformance team has proven the many qualities and top- class services it possesses,” Bernal said.

Country Manager Luis Barreto shared that he is proud that the Teleperformance offices are staffed by 100 per cent Guyanese employees, aside from himself.

The company has plans to further grow outside of Georgetown, particularly in Berbice and Linden.

“Guyana has the skillset, the knowledge and the ability to expand. Teleperformance Guyana has now been recognised as one of the top delivery offices in the region. Part of that comes from our ability to sell a product, which is the country, the people, the technology and the services that we offer,” Barreto said.