JAMAICA WILL be looking to the Information Technology sector for the greatest number of new jobs and investment over the next two years, according to the projections of Jamaica Promotions Corporation.
Of the targeted $33.25 billion in capital investment, JAMPRO estimates that $12 billion will flow from IT projects - with US$3.5 million ($206 million) expected to be invested in call centres within this fiscal year - and that the sector will see the creation of 4,900 new jobs in that period.
Tourism comes second with $9.1 billion of capital inflows and 2,000 jobs. But while film-music-entertainment lags at fourth place as an investment magnet, at an estimated $800 million, the sector is expected to employ 4,000 people over the period.
MARKET
Manufacturing and minerals are expected to draw $1.35 billion and put 1,600 new jobs on the market.
Overall, the state trade investment promotion agency is expecting that 13,500 jobs will flow from the investors it is targeting to set up business in the island by 2005.
Last year, the agency brought in $17 billion in new investments and 5,190 jobs, according to new portfolio Minister, Dr. Paul Robertson, in a report on the agency to Parliament. The figures indicate that about $3.3 million was spent creating each new job.
